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Benitez shares what he noticed about Dwight Gayle in his first Newcastle training sessions

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez (REUTERS)
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Dwight Gayle has been in sensational form for Newcastle United.

Newcastle United manager Rafael BenitezNewcastle United manager Rafael Benitez

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has told The Mirror that he saw Dwight Gayle’s quality during his first few days at the club.

The Magpies are in EFL Cup action tonight as they host Preston North End at St. James’ Park, with Benitez’s men looking to take their league form into the cup.

After hammering Ipswich Town 3-0 on Saturday afternoon, Newcastle have now won each of their last five league games, meaning they now sit three points clear at the top of the Championship table.

Dwight Gayle celebrates scoring the third goal for Newcastle UnitedDwight Gayle celebrates scoring for Newcastle United

Promotion back to the Premier League is looking likely for Newcastle, and summer signing Dwight Gayle has made a huge impact since arriving from Crystal Palace.

The striker, 26, left Palace over the summer having played just 16 Premier League games last season, and he’s shown the Eagles what they’re missing with some sensational displays for Newcastle.

Dwight Gayle celebrates scoring for NewcastleDwight Gayle celebrates scoring for Newcastle

With seven goals in his last five games, Gayle has now hit 11 goals in 12 Championship outings, giving Benitez a proven, regular goalscorer to fire Newcastle back to the top flight this season.

Gayle is Newcastle’s latest goalscoring hero, and manager Benitez has raved about his ability in an interview with The Mirror.

The Spaniard stated that, even in Gayle’s first few training sessions, his movement and strength were obvious as well as his cleverness, with Benitez adding that he is ‘quite positive’ about Gayle’s future.

Newcastle United manager Rafael BenitezNewcastle United manager Rafael Benitez

“From the first days in training, you could see he was clever, good movement, stronger than he seems,” said Benitez. “He’s clever and keen to learn. I’m quite positive about him and his future.”

“He’s confident in himself and most importantly, working very hard. When we make tactical adjustments he understands what to do,” he added.

What have you made of Gayle’s start to life at Newcastle?