OPINION
For Newcastle United attacker Yoshinori Muto, his eight minutes off the bench against Bournemouth last time out was a welcome sign of progress.
His last appearance for the club prior to the Cherries clash was a nine minute cameo at the start of January, with his last start being in late December against Liverpool.
However, after two months spent in the wilderness he returned to the fray at the Vitality Stadium, and now he must be handed a starting opportunity against Arsenal on Monday.
That might seem like too much of a gamble given his lack of game time, but his freshness is why he should get the nod. The former Mainz man remained on Tyneside over the international break, whereas his fellow Magpies attacker Miguel Almiron was all the way over in South America.
The club record signing will no doubt be fatigued, meaning that it would be no great surprise to see him replaced at the Emirates Stadium. Muto seems like the perfect choice to take his place.
Prior to heading off on Asian Cup duty mid-season, Muto had emerged as a high-energy, creative presence in the Newcastle attack. Now that the team are playing more positively, he would likely flourish even more alongside Ayoze Perez and Salomon Rondon.
The 26-year-old has the ability to make an impact at this level, it’s just that circumstances have meant that he hasn’t really had a proper chance this season.
However, Benitez must hand him a shot at redemption against the Gunners on Monday. Having the effervescent pairing of Perez and Muto buzzing around Rondon would be a nightmare for Unai Emery’s side. It’s time to bring the Japan star back into the fold.
