Newcastle’s Ayoze Perez claims he’s improving under Benitez – but fans are yet to see proof this season

Follow us on Google Discover

Newcastle United’s Ayoze Perez has commented on the club’s start to the season.

Newcastle United’s Ayoze Perez in action against Tottenham

Newcastle United forward Ayoze Perez has told Sky Sports that he feels he is improving under Rafael Benitez – though fans may not quite agree with that assertion.

Perez, 24, has been with Newcastle for more than three years now having signed from Tenerife back in the summer of 2014, and he enjoyed his best goalscoring return for the club last season, hitting 12 goals in all competitions.

This term, the Spaniard has been an ever-present in the Newcastle side, starting every single Premier League game, whilst missing just 14 minutes of action.

Now, Perez has told Sky Sports that he has a ‘brilliant’ relationship with compatriot Benitez, and always feels he is improving under the Magpies boss.

Perez added that Newcastle’s start to the season has given him confidence, and he feels ‘really good’ on the pitch after three wins in the first seven Premier League games.

“My relationship with Rafa has been brilliant, I’ve learned a lot from him. To be honest, I always try and improve myself, but under Rafa you’re always going to improve,” said Perez.

“It’s been a great start to the season, he’s given me a lot of confidence, which is important for a player. I’m feeling really good on the pitch,” he added.

Perez may feel good right now, but fans may feel that they haven’t quite seen proof of his alleged improvement this season having failed to score so far and registered just the one assist in seven outings.

The Spaniard has been playing as Newcastle’s No. 10, but has registered just two shots on target – two fewer than centre back Jamaal Lascelles – whilst he is averaging just 1.4 key passes per game, meaning he isn’t creating quite as much as fans would like.

Newcastle’s attacking from open play has been a little disappointing this season, and whilst Perez believes he has been improving this season, he still needs more productivity to help the Magpies find their mojo in the final third.