Former Newcastle full back Olivier Bernard has backed new full back Jesus Gamez to succeed at Newcastle, although he believes the Spaniard will need a settling in period before we see the best of him.
The 31 year old signed on Friday from Atletico Madrid where he made 16 appearances last season, being a regular member of the first team squad, backing up first choice right back Juan Fran, as the Spanish side reached the final of the Champions League for the second time in three seasons. Bernard believes Gamez’s experience is something that will be invaluable in the Championship next season. Writing in his column for the Chronicle, he said:
“It is hard to get to grips with the league at first but not impossible and, given his experience, he will be good around the training field and in the dressing room as well as out on the pitch. Benitez knows Newcastle need leaders, and I think Gamez will be one.”
Gamez spent nine years in the first team at La Liga side Malaga before his switch to Atletico in 2014 and has nearly 300 league appearances to his name in senior football spread over 11 years. It will be a new experience for him playing 46 league fixtures in England though and we will have to find out how quickly he adapts to the English game.
