Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has spoken of Ayoze Perez’s importance to the team following a goalscoring run.
The 24-year-old was subjected to plenty of criticism from fans during the first half of the season.
The Spaniard struggled in front of goal, which prompted some supporters to call for his axe from the team.
In 20 Premier league appearances, 14 of which have been starts, Perez has only managed to find the back of the net twice.
However, the attacking player has now bagged three goals in his last two outings in all competitions.
A brace was scored at the weekend in Newcastle’s 3-1 victory over Luton Town in the third round of the FA Cup.
Prior to that match, Perez netted in the Magpies New Year’s Day win over Stoke City.
Goals have been hard to come by for Benitez and his team, having scored just 20 in the top-flight all season.
With the second half of the campaign now underway, the manager is hopeful that Perez has found a new lease of life.
According to The Shields Gazette, Benitez said:
“I think he will be delighted, because scoring in the league and scoring here in a good game – in the first half we did some good things – he will be really pleased. It’s always positive for strikers to score and gain some confidence. Perez is important for the team and it’s important for a striker to score goals. The team created chances, and Ayoze will be happier than others.”
