Magpies boss Rafa Benitez believes that left back Achraf Lazaar must adapt to the rigours of English football before he is given more starts in a Newcastle shirt.
The Moroccan international arrived from Serie A side Palermo for £3million in the summer but has yet to start a league match for the Magpies after making just one solitary start against Wolves in the EFL Cup last month. Explaining Lazaar’s situation to the Evening Chronicle, the Newcastle manager said:
“He needs to understand English football. He has the potential.He has to adapt to the pace and the physicality, all of these things. But he is getting closer.”
Despite Lazaar’s arrival on Tyneside, Paul Dummett has continued as first choice under Rafa Benitez, and has missed just one league match so far this season. The Moroccan meanwhile wasn’t even on the bench for the game against Rotherham United at the weekend. The 24 year old was a regular in Palermo’s side in Italy’s top division last season but it looks is though he will have to be patient to get his chance at Newcastle this campaign.
