Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden has played fairly frequently since his side were promoted.
Hayden was one of Newcastle’s key players as they earned promotion to the Premier League last season.
The former Arsenal midfielder has struggled more at the top level, but Benitez believes the future is still very bright for the 22-year-old – as long as he stays focussed.
“When we signed Hayden, he is a young player so he can improve,” Benitez said.
“How much? We don’t yet know. It depends on him too – on how much he wants to learn, if he listens to you and pays attention to details in the training sessions. You have to feel that they want to.”
Hayden has played fairly regularly for Newcastle this season, but now faces a fight to win his place back.
Benitez went with the midfield duo of Jonjo Shelvey and Mikel Merino in Newcastle’s last match, and the pair did well, as the Tynesiders picked up a point against Liverpool.
Shelvey and Merino are now expected to continue in Newcastle’s midfield for the near future, which means Hayden could be forced to take on a reserve role.
Newcastle are next in action this weekend, when they take on Southampton at St. Mary’s, looking to build on their positive start to the new campaign.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
