Newcastle forward Ayoze Perez has explained how he has had to adapt to the physical demands of playing in the Championship.
Speaking to the Shields Gazette, the 23 year old believes that the Magpies have adapted to the physicality pretty well, and are able to go toe to toe with Championship clubs:
“You have to accept it (the challenge), deal with it and adapt to the league. It’s really different. It’s maybe less football and more physical. We have been doing well all season. We have adapted to the league quite well. There are still eight games to go and we have to make sure we go with everything and stay at the top.”
Perez started ahead of Mo Diame in the number 10 role against Birmingham City last weekend. The Spaniard has scored nine goals in all competitions this season but he has been in and out of the side, making 21 starts in the 34 appearances he has made.
With Rafa Benitez also favouring to play him in a more withdrawn role off the front, the forward has not only had to adapt to the physicality of the Championship, but also to being employed in an area of the pitch he is less familiar with.
He will no doubt be involved frequently after the international break where Newcastle have seven matches in the month of April which will determine whether they are promoted to the Premier League.
