Newcastle United recently completed the slightly surprising signing of Javier Manquillo.
Rafa Benitez has conceded that Javier Manquillo must improve on the form that he showed last season following his move to Newcastle – but added that he expects the Spaniard to be able to make those improvements, the Shields Gazette reports.
Manquillo was something of a surprise signing for the Magpies, becoming their fourth addition of the summer, despite being part of the Sunderland team that were relegated from the Premier League last term, and only featuring in just over half of the Black Cats’ top flight games.
Javi Manquillo
And Benitez has admitted that the 23-year-old is certainly not the finished article yet, but insisted that he sees something in his countryman that gives him plenty of optimism.
“With Javier he can play in both full back positions, and we needed the cover the right full back. He has to improve from last season, we know, but he is a player who has the potential,” he said, as reported by the Shields Gazette.
“Once he’s trained properly, and understands what we do, he can be a good addition.”
Having probably somewhat confused a number of Newcastle fans by signing the former Sunderland loanee – who also enjoyed a spell with Liverpool earlier in his career – Benitez’s comments on Manquillo may actually give the supporters some hope.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
Benitez is clearly under no illusions that the former Atletico Madrid man needs to take his game to the next level if he wants to be a success at St James’ Park.
And by being honest about his current ability, Newcastle fans can be hopeful that Benitez’s prediction that the Spaniard will improve will come to fruition in time.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
