Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has been keeping an eye on striker Dwight Gayle following his loan move to West Bromwich Albion.
Gayle has netted an impressive nine goals so far for the Baggies this season, and it is this type of form that has caused Benitez to sit up and take notice of a forward who was never really able to excel during his time in the Premier League.
Benitez admitted that he is “keeping an eye” on the 5ft 10 in [Transfermarkt] attacker whilst also heaping praise on him, saying that he was a “great player” for Newcastle in the Championship and that he is fully aware of his movement and “runs behind defenders.”
“For sure. I have said before he was a great player for us in the Championship. He did well in the Premier League too but had injuries,” he told the Chronicle.
“He is a player that did good things. We know all about his movement and runs behind the defenders. That was really important for us.
“We’re keeping an eye on him.”
OPINION
It is clear from Gayle’s nine goals this season that he is a striker more suited to the Championship than the Premier League, but it does not come as a surprise that Benitez is keeping a close eye on what he is doing for West Brom this term. Any manager would prick their ears up if one of their loan players is performing well, and this is certainly no exception. However, as good as Gayle is at the moment, it remains to be seen whether he would be able to replicate this form upon his return to the club. He has proved before that this is the case and it is questionable as to whether he can be trusted once again. Nevertheless, Benitez is wise to keep an eye on Gayle, as the better and better he gets, the more confidence he will start to have in his own ability – and that can only be a good thing.
