OPINION
Newcastle United’s failure to hold onto their two goal lead against Manchester United on Saturday demonstrated the many deficiencies evident in Rafael Benitez’s side.
However, the game was notable for the return to form of Magpies frontman Ayoze Perez, who put together his most complete performance of the season.
The Spaniard, on a reported £45,000-per-week at the club [Source: Spotrac], looked like a different player to the one that has toiled without success at St James’ Park this campaign.
And Perez’s return to form is vital for Benitez. The 25-year-old is a divisive figure on Tyneside for what many people perceive as his failure to make the most of his undoubted talent, but he remains a wonderfully gifted player who Benitez needs to get the best out of.
He is the most naturally talented frontman at the Newcastle manager’s disposal, proven by the fact that, despite an inconsistent season last time out, he still registered 10 goals in all competitions.
The year before that he hit 12 goals in the Championship, and in his two years with the club prior to that he scored a combined 13 strikes as a young man.
This is a player capable of great things in a black and white shirt, and he reminded supporters of what he could do against Jose Mourinho’s side at Old Trafford.
It’s been frustrating to see him look so aimless for the team this season. He’s tried hard but he hasn’t been able to lift the team out of their current funk.
However, if he picks up where he left off against United after the international break then he could be key for the club this season.
His link up play with fellow attacker Yoshinori Muto on Saturday was a joy to watch, and something that’s been missing from the Newcastle attack this campaign.
If Benitez loosens the reins a bit, too, then Perez will benefit from a more positive style of football. But he showed against United how important he can be to this team, and he needs to build on that display moving forward.
