OPINION
Newcastle United midfielder Kenedy is one of the most polarising players to step foot in the club in recent times.
At the start of 2018, the fans could not get enough of the Brazilian’s skill and ability – but fast forward to the present day and things could not be more different.
He has been woeful in recent times and has compromised his place in the first team to the likes of Sean Longstaff, who has been outstanding in the few starts he has been given.
However, despite being unavailable for the win against Cardiff last weekend, Rafa Benitez has now confirmed – via Chronicle reporter Lee Ryder’s personal Twitter account – that he is a possible starter for the FA Cup fourth round clash against Watford at St James’ Park on Saturday.
Kenedy and Fernandez possible starters vs Watford #nufc
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) January 25, 2019
If there was ever a better opportunity to play out of his skin and prove to the manager that he is a worthy regular starter for Newcastle, then Saturday is definitely it.
Mo Diame and Ki Sung-Yueng are currently out injured in the middle of the pitch while Matt Ritchie is deserving of a rest, so there could not be any time better for Kenedy to show what he is made of.
He really needs to knuckle down and perform to the best of his ability if given the chance to, as his future at Newcastle is slowly diminishing with every week that goes by where he does not start.
The £25,000-a-week [Spotrac] loanee is now required to pull out all of the stops to save his Toon career, as Benitez will not hestitate to freeze him out if absolutely necessary.
If he performs to a high standard against Watford – if he is started – then he has the potential to salvage what is left of his loan this season.
If not, then he will face a frustrating spells on the sidelines yet again.
