Ayoze Perez was Newcastle United’s man of the match against Ipswich Town, scoring twice.
Newcastle United forward Ayoze Perez has told The Chronicle how he is dealing with manager Rafael Benitez’s rotation policy, relying on his mental toughness.
The Spaniard was the Magpies’ man of the match against Ipswich Town on Saturday, scoring twice and assisting Matt Ritchie for Newcastle’s third goal, putting in his best performance of the season so far after a difficult start to life in the Championship.
Perez has become all too familiar with Benitez’s rotation policy, finding himself in and out of the team as the manager looks to keep all of his players involved and feeling fresh for the long and rigorous season.
Ayoze Perez of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his teams second goal
“You have to be strong mentally,” Perez told The Chronicle.
“You know you will get your chance and the manager always wants you to improve.
“You must be ready when it’s your chance. When the gaffer wants you it’s time to step up.”
Josh Emmanuel of Ipswich Town in action with Ayoze Perez of Newcastle United
The 23-year-old certainly stepped up on this occasion, having started in the 3-1 victory over Brentford before not being involved in the 2-0 victory over Barnsley in midweek.
Perez looked back to his best against Ipswich, causing countless problems for Mick McCarthy’s side with his jinking runs and off the cuff style. It has not been an easy start to life in the second tier for Perez, whose slender build did not appear fit for purpose in the Championship.
However, that did not matter against Ipswich, with the Spanish striker easily the best player on the pitch.
Ayoze Perez of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his teams first goal
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