Rafa Benitez determined to protect exciting Newcastle winger after blistering start to loan spell

Rafa Benitez is determined to protect on-loan winger Kenedy after a blistering start to life as a Newcastle player.

The Brazilian has hit the ground running on Tyneside following his move from Chelsea and has arguably been United’s best and brightest player in his first two appearances for the club, assisting goals in both matches despite not completing 90 minutes in either.

Supporters have certainly been encouraged by Kenedy’s early performances but Benitez is aware that the 21-year-old is still raw and unpolished, warning him to concentrate on playing football in the short-term and ignore the praise he is receiving.

“He did well and everybody is a little bit excited but still he is a young player and he has to be consistent,” Benitez explained to the Chronicle.

“At the moment we are happy with what he did. We want him to carry on like this every week.

The Spaniard added:“We want to see all the games at the same level. When you are young and not played too many games before you cannot expect he will be always there.