Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden says Rafael Benitez has stopped the club being a stepping stone

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The former Arsenal man was signed by Newcastle last summer ans has been a mainstay in the side under Benitez.

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez and Isaac Hayden

Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden has lifted the lid on some of Rafael Benitez’s management attributes, and has claimed that the former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss has stopped the Magpies being a stepping stone to better things, as reports The Times.

The 22-year-old, who can also play in defence, arrived at St James’ Park on a five-year-deal last summer from Arsenal, as reports BBC Sport, and was a standout performer in Benitez’s title winning side – making 38 appearances in all competitions, as well as registering two goals and three assists in the Championship.

It’s expected that Hayden will retain his place in the starting XI when Newcastle start their Premier League campaign next season, injuries permitting, and there’s no doubt that Hayden has progressed massively as a player under Benitez’s stewardship.

Speaking about his manager’s impact, Hayden explained that as well as Benitez being happy to talk tactics with him if he needs the assistance, he’s brutally honest on occasion, but has completely turned the situation at Newcastle around.

Isaac Hayden of Newcastle United (L) and Craig Bryson of Derby County in action

“If I want to talk to him about tactics, he’s always there for me,” Hayden said, as reports The Times. “Rafa’s obsessed with football. When we lost to Ipswich [on April 17], I was in his office the next day at 9am, going through the clips and he told me where I went wrong.

“He’s very honest. I could be sitting there with Jonjo Shelvey and Rafa could say ‘look, Jonjo, Isaac’s better than you at this, this and this’ and ‘Isaac, he’s better than you at this, this and this.’ Some players might not like it. But this year everybody’s got on with it, whether playing, or on the bench.

“He’s made it a situation where Newcastle isn’t a stepping stone. He says you should want to put on this black-and-white shirt, going out and giving 100 per cent, and if you don’t, you won’t play. He makes it so that players are desperate to play, not only for him but for the club and that’s why we’ve had the success this season.”

Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez celebrates winning the league with the trophy

Despite being heavily expected to walk the league, Newcastle claimed the Championship title on the final day as Brighton and Hove Albion completely imploded, meaning that the last two times the Magpies have been relegated, they’ve bounced back as champions.

It’s also expected that Benitez will spend money to take Newcastle to the next level their fans crave, with owner Mike Ashley claiming that he can spend whatever the club generates in order to build, as reports BBC Sport.