Newcastle ace Ayoze Perez has admitted that he expected a bigger role under Steve McClaren.
Newcastle striker Ayoze Perez has told Spanish newspaper Marca that he was surprised by his reduced role under Steve McClaren, but believes he is now getting back to his best.
Perez, 22, was one of the few bright spots in the Magpies’ season last term, scoring seven goals in 36 Premier League games having arrived from Tenerife last summer.
The Spaniard has become a fan favourite at St. James’ Park as a result of his skill and work rate, whilst his versatility hasn’t gone unnoticed, having played up front, out wide and behind a striker.
Yet this season, Perez was in-and-out of the side early in to Steve McClaren’s reign, before scoring a superb goal against Chelsea last weekend.
His all-round performance once again proved that he should be in the Newcastle side on a weekly basis, and the player has now admitted to Spanish newspaper Marca that he was surprised by his lack of football early in to the campaign – but acknowledged the complicated nature of the season.
“Maybe I did expect to feature a bit more in the opening rounds of fixtures, but the start of the season is complicated: new signings had come in, as well as a new coach,” said Perez. “Now it seems my hard work is paying off. I’m feeling pretty good, very close to 100%,” he added.
Combining the craft and movement of Perez with the burly, physical Aleksandar Mitrovic looks like being the best way for Newcastle to find goals this season, and their link-up play against Chelsea showed that McClaren could have a dangerous duo on his hands – if he continues to play Perez regularly.
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