OPINION
The cheers that attacker Ayoze Perez received when he was substituted against West Ham United on Saturday were undoubtedly ironic.
And manager Rafael Benitez must take heed of the supporters’ response and start the returning Yoshinori Muto in Perez’s place against Everton on Wednesday night.
The Spaniard told the Chronicle recently that the Japan international was back in contention after missing the last month of action: “He’s fit, he’s fine,” he said.
“He went to Japan because of the new baby and the injury. He came back and we were winning, so he understands why he hasn’t been playing, but he’s a great worker and he has a chance of playing.”
A football manager should never be swayed by the opinions of the masses, but Benitez must realise that there is a reason for the Newcastle fans’ frostiness towards Perez.
The 25-year-old has his moments, but in all but about two games this season he has been absolutely woeful. The former Liverpool boss likes him in the number ten position – probably because he doesn’t have many other options – but with Muto available again the former Mainz man must be the nod against the Toffees.
The 26-year-old has looked pretty decent when he’s played this campaign, but he’s yet to have a real run of games in the team.
He is energetic and he works extremely hard. In that way he is the perfect foil for frontman Salomon Rondon, who wins everything in the air and needs someone who can profit off his aerial dominance.
Muto can do that. Neither Yerry Mina or Michael Keane are the most mobile at centre back for Everton, and Muto can make an impact while the imposing Rondon occupies them physically.
Perez has had too many sub-par outings this season and Muto deserves another chance to show what he can do in the Magpies attack. Let’s hope Rafa makes the right call.
