Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez is a big fan of Magpies youngster Victor Fernandez, according to journalist Ciaran Kelly.
The Chronicle reporter revealed his verdict on his personal Twitter account on Wednesday, having previously posted a photo of the 21-year-old training with the first team.
“Series of untimely niggles that took him longer than he expected to recover from,” he said about the injury problems which have plagued the winger’s season.
“Goes without saying that Benitez is a fan,” he finished.
Series of untimely niggles that took him longer than he expected to recover from. Goes without saying that Benitez is a fan.
— Ciaran Kelly (@CiaranKelly__) May 8, 2019
OPINION
It’s unfortunate for Fernandez that he essentially had his season wiped out by a series of unfortunate injuries, as Kellys says. He had previously made a big impression with the senior Newcastle side in pre season, but obviously wasn’t really able to kick on and make the most of his momentum this campaign. That’s a shame, because we know how big a lift it is for the Magpies supporters to see a youngster coming through. Fernandez isn’t a local lad like Sean Longstaff – indeed, he was brought over from Spain in 2017 – but the fans still like to see some fresh blood coming through. Benitez doesn’t have a whole lot to choose from out wide, certainly in terms of top quality. Kenedy is woeful and will be heading back to Chelsea this summer anyway, which leaves Miguel Almiron and Christian Atsu as the main wide men at the club. If Fernandez can make the breakthrough then it would freshen up those wide areas. With Benitez a known fan, it could well happen.
