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Carragher: Perez has proven Benitez right

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Image for Carragher: Perez has proven Benitez right

Jamie Carragher believes Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has been proven right to trust Ayoze Perez in recent weeks.

The Sky Sports pundit shared how the Spanish boss always finds a place for the attacker in his side even though the 25-year-old may not be popular with Magpies supporters.

“I think Perez is someone who Benitez loves but I don’t think the Newcastle United supporters love at times but he always finds a place for him in the team,” said Carragher on Monday Night Football (Sky Sports Main Event, April 1st 19:49).

“And I think he has been proven right over these last few weeks.”

Perez has appeared 35 times for Benitez’s side this season, scoring seven goals and assisting four in the process.

OPINION

Perez has often been made the scapegoat by Magpies fans this season when things haven’t gone right, but to some degree that has been understandable. The 25-year-old works incredibly hard for the team but he wastes so many opportunities in front of goal. Ahead of Salomon Rondon transforming into a more reliable goal source, watching Perez fluff chance after chance was frustrating. The 25-year-old has many qualities but one of them is not being clinical in front of goal. As for Carragher’s praise, Perez’s performances have been less frustrating in recent weeks as being partnered with Miguel Almiron and Rondon, gets the best out of him. The 25-year-old carves out the space for an opportunity at goal but instead of shooting himself, tends to have Rondon or Almiron to pass to and takes that option instead. This has seen him be way more of an asset for Benitez’s side and is perhaps why Carragher has given him a glowing endorsement.

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