The Newcastle United striker was sent off twice last season.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has explained to the Chronicle how his staff are working to help Aleksandar Mitrovic curb his aggression.
The striker was a big hit at St James’ Park last season after arriving in a move from Anderlecht.
While his goalscoring form was nothing special, he managed nine goals in 36 appearances in all competitions, his passion and all action performances quickly established him as a favourite with the Magpies faithful.
However, it did not come without a cost as he picked up two reds cards across the season, the most of any player in their squad.
Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates scoring the second goal for Newcastle
Indeed, a suspension picked up at the end of last season has seen him miss the first four games of this campaign and Benitez says they are working with him on his aggression.
“We are talking to him [Mitrovic] all the time, watching videos of past games and training with him,” he told the Chronicle.
“It is a process; it is not something that can be done by just clicking your fingers. We have to keep talking and working with him. He is still learning and still improving.”
Newcastle’s Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates scoring their second goal
It will certainly be interesting to see if Benitez’s work can help Mitrovic to flourish in the Championship this season.
The division looks ready made for him, with it providing a much more physical style than what is on offer in the Premier League.
And if Benitez can help him adapt and use his aggression in a positive manner, there is no denying he could be a big player for them this season.
Newcastle United’s Aleksandar Mitrovic on the substitutes bench
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