Benitez’s defence of Joselu suggests nomadic striker may have finally found a home

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Newcastle United striker Joselu missed a host of chances against Stoke City, but has been defended by manager Rafael Benitez.

Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has told the Shields Gazette that he was impressed with Joselu’s all-round contribution against Stoke City, defending him for missing chances.

The Magpies picked up a third straight victory on Saturday afternoon, beating Stoke City 2-1 at St. James’ Park as Jamaal Lascelles headed home the winner, after Xherdan Shaqiri had cancelled out Christian Atsu’s opener.

After wins over West Ham United and Swansea City, Newcastle have now shot up to fourth place in the Premier League table, with Benitez sparking a good run of form.

One player who didn’t quite hit top form against Stoke was striker Joselu, who actually left the Potters to join Newcastle in a £5million deal (Daily Mail) last month.

Joselu, 27, had five shots on goal against Stoke, but just one was on target, as the Spaniard struggled to find the net against his former club.

Despite some criticism for his missed chances, manager Benitez has told the Shields Gazette that whilst it’s important for strikers to score, he was pleased with Joselu’s hard work and hold-up play against Mark Hughes’ side.

“For a striker, when you have chances, it’s important to score,” said Benitez. “For a striker playing against Stoke, maybe even more. I’m really pleased with his contributions. He was winning in the air, he was holding the ball,” he added.

Benitez’s comments showed his continuing faith in his summer signing, highlighting his endeavour and physicality rather than becoming too worried about his missed chances, which may also suggest that Joselu has finally found a home.

Joselu has turned out for Celta Vigo, Real Madrid, Hoffenheim, Eintracht Frankfurt, Hannover, Stoke and Deportivo La Coruna before arriving at Newcastle, with Real Madrid B the only team he has ever played more than 30 games for.

In Benitez, Joselu has a manager who believes in him even when he isn’t scoring, with his hard work and all-round centre forward play incredibly important to Newcastle’s style of play – and after years of being something of a nomad, Joselu may have found a club where he can settle down and play under a manager who has confidence in his abilities outside of goalscoring.