Matz Sels is dumbfounded by Rafa Benitez’s treatment of Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba.
Newcastle goalkeeper Matz Sels has told Belgian outlet Sport Foot, as quoted by the Evening Chronicle, that he does not understand why Chancel Mbemba is overlooked by Rafa Benitez – but Newcastle fans completely disagree.
Sels, 26, is currently playing his trade with Mbemba’s former side Anderlecht, as he remains with the Belgian champions on loan until the end of the season.
The former Gent goalkeeper plummeted down the pecking order in his first season at St. James’ Park, falling behind Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot and the signing of Martin Dubravka is likely to end his stay permanently.
But that has not stopped him having his say on his parent club, as he criticised Benitez for overlooking DR Congo international Mbemba. The powerful centre-back has played just once in 2018, against Chelsea in the FA Cup.
“For me, he’s one of the best defenders at Newcastle United,” Sels said. “Why does he play so little? “I don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes.”
Mbemba, 23, remains behind the likes of Jamaal Lascelles, Florian Lejeune and Ciaran Clark in the pecking order, with two years remaining on his contract which the Daily Star claim is worth £30,000 a week.
Newcastle fans have reacted to Sels’ defence of Mbemba, giving their reasons for Mbemba’s lack of first-team involvement. The majority reckon he is simply not good enough.
One fan, though, reckons he is “lazy in training”.
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