Newcastle forward Ayoze Perez believes manager Rafa Benitez is developing a competitive atmosphere within the squad that should prove successful as the season wears on.
The Spaniard scored the fastest goal so far this season in the Championship after putting the Magpies 1-0 up after just 59 seconds against Ipswich Town, but the 23 year old has been in and out the Newcastle starting eleven this campaign as Rafa continues to select players on form and fitness, and rotate his squad.
Perez told the Chronicle that every player feels they need to perform if they are selected to start:
“You have to be strong mentally. You know you will get your chance and the manager always wants you to improve. You must be ready when it’s your chance. When the gaffer wants you it’s time to step up.”
Perez’s double in the 3-0 win over Ipswich were only his second and third goals in the league this season, and he will be hoping his performance will convince Rafa of more starts in the coming weeks. He may be one of those to make way however with the Newcastle manager expected to rotate his side once again against Preston North End in the EFL Cup tomorrow night.
