Newcastle midfielder Isaac Hayden has lavished praise on manager Rafa Benitez’s managerial style since his arrival on Tyneside in the summer.
Hayden worked with legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger for a number of years before arriving at Newcastle in a £2.5m switch from the Gunners but the 21 year old believes he has already learned more about the game under Rafa in the last few months than he could have possibly imagined. He told the Shields Gazette:
“It’s a different ball game. I worked with Arsene Wenger, but maybe because I wasn’t really treated as a first-team regular there, it was a little bit different and I didn’t really open my eyes to certain things, whereas here I’m treated as a first-team squad member and I feel I’ve contributed. I couldn’t have imagined learning this much so soon. It’s almost been startling. The experience and the knowledge that he brings to the squad is second-to-none.”
Hayden has been a regular in Benitez’s side so far this season but had to be satisfied with a late substitute appearance against Ipswich Town at the weekend with Jack Colback taking his place in the side.
After playing just seven minutes against the Tractor Boys on Saturday, it is likely that Rafa will call upon his services again tonight to start against Preston North End in the EFL Cup fourth round tie at St James’ Park.
