Will Newcastle United attacker Ayoze Perez benefit from extra competition in the squad this season?
Newcastle United attacker Ayoze Perez ended up being one of the star players last season with 10 goals across all competitions, but he could reach new heights this campaign.
The 25-year-old has often divided opinion during this time at St James’ Park, but has become a mainstay in Rafael Benitez’s starting XI and was the club’s top scorer last season.
He is a Spaniard that plays in the number 10 role behind the striker and his high work-rate makes him a valuable asset to the side.
Perez will be hoping he can increase his strike rate in front of goal this season and there is one major difference that could help him do that.
The playmaker now has some genuine competition in the squad for a starting position following the signing of Japan international Yoshinori Muto, who arrived from top-flight German club Mainz.
Benitez is likely to pit Salomon Rondon and Joselu against each other for the role of the target man strike, which could leave Perez and Muto competing for the second attacking position.
Perez is certainly the player in pole position and he has shown he can be a real force in the Premier League, but will now need to find more consistent form with teammate Muto breathing down his neck.
Muto, 26, is a technically gifted player built in the same mould as Perez and it will be interesting to see who wins their own personal battle.
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