Paul Merson admits Kenedy has surprised him with Newcastle spell

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Kenedy has proven to be an inspired signing for Newcastle United, and that has surprised Paul Merson.

Paul Merson has told Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports (broadcast on 7th April; 14:06) that he has been taken completely aback by how well Kenedy has performed since joining Newcastle on loan during the January transfer window.

It appeared that January was set to be another disappointing window for the Magpies with no players signed permanently, and a number of somewhat unproven players signed on loan, with Martin Dubravka and Islam Slimani also arriving at St James’ Park on temporary deals.

But while Silmani may have seemed the safest bet of the three, it has actually been Dubravka and Kenedy who have been masterstroke signings for the Magpies, with the latter proving to be particularly influential, with two goals and two assists coming in just eight league appearances.

And Merson admitted that he cannot believe how well Kenedy has done since arriving, pointing to his assist in the win over Huddersfield as an indication of how much quality he actually possesses.

“I didn’t see the Kenedy one. I’d seen Kenedy about a week before playing in the cup at Chelsea against Norwich and he wasn’t very good. He’s been absolutely outstanding. For me, he’s been the difference,” he told Soccer Saturday.

“The goalkeeper’s been great, but to give them that x-factor on the pitch, he has given them that x-factor. His goals he’s scored, his assists. The goal he sets up last Saturday is phenomenal. People look at it and go, ‘oh, that’s a three yard pass, anybody can do that’. No, it’s the way he controlled it, he took his time, he could’ve easily slashed at the ball and put it over the bar or at the keeper, he just plays a little three yard ball to Perez. He’s been absolutely outstanding.”

Given the Brazilian’s form, it is hardly a surprise that the London Evening Standard reported last month that Newcastle are keen to try and do a permanent deal for the winger in the summer as he is undoubtedly the kind of player who could ensure that the Magpies build on their promising form of late.

Unfortunately for Newcastle however, while the fact that Kenedy’s form has been so good this season has almost ensured that they remain in the top flight again next year, it will surely make getting him back a much tougher task for Rafa Benitez’s side.