Summer signing Achraf Lazaar has appeared just once for Newcastle, playing the full 90 minutes against Wolves in the EFL Cup.
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez has explained why summer signing Achraf Lazaar is yet to play in the Championship for the Magpies, speaking to The Chronicle.
The 24-year-old moved to St James’ Park from Palermo, but has so far only made one appearance in black and white, playing the full 90 minutes in their 2-0 EFL Cup victory over Wolves.
With many fans wondering why they are yet to see much of the Moroccan, Benitez has explained why he is yet to select the full back for league action.
“He needs to understand English football. He has the potential,” Benitez told The Chronicle.
“He has to adapt to the pace and the physicality, all of these things. But he is getting closer.”
Newcastle United Manager Rafael Benitez
Lazaar was handed the number seven shirt, formally worn by Moussa Sissoko, despite primarily being a left back. The left side of defence has been a problem position for a lot of Newcastle fans, with question marks always hanging over the head of first choice full back Paul Dummett.
The Geordie’s limitations going forward and simple style of football has seen fans begin to lose patience with the Newcastle number three, who actually captained the side this season in the absence of skipper Jamaal Lascelles.
Newcastle United’s Paul Dummett and Huddersfield Town’s Tommy Smith in action
Dummett is fairly competent as a defender, and Benitez has always acted on the side of caution, preferring to go with the tried and tested 25-year-old, rather than throwing Lazaar in at the deep end.
The English league is very physical, especially the Championship, so it is a clever move from Benitez to wait until Lazaar understands the demands of English football, rather than forcing him to go into the unknown blind.
Picture Supplied by Action Images
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