OPINION
Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez knows that the visit of Brighton this weekend could turn out to be one of their most important games of the season.
This clash is no doubt considered a must-win for the Magpies, as a win could really boost their confidence after failing to secure one so far.
Every player needs to be at the top of their game for this fixture, as the Seagulls are not a team to be pushed aside easily.
One player who has not been at their best in this campaign is attacker Ayoze Perez, who does not look like the same player from last season.
He has started eight of Newcastle’s league matches so far, operating in an advanced role supporting the striker – but he has only registered one assist, meaning that his contributions have been largely ineffective.
Benitez cannot continue in this manner, and he must axe Perez from the starting line-up this weekend if it means that his team’s chances are boosted.
For a player of the Spaniard’s experience and quality, these poor showings should not be a regular thing – after all, he scored eight last season.
His contribution needs to be questioned, as it is just not up to scratch at the moment.
The £45,000-a-week [Spotrac] player knows that he should be performing a whole lot better than he is right now as he is just compromising his place in the first team.
Newcastle’s failures to create chances this season cannot be ignored, and unfortunately for Perez, he has been at the centre of that failure.
Fans want to see the player that they saw last season – a player that was exciting and entertaining to watch.
Benitez must axe the 25-year-old, as he is not contributing in the way he should be.
