The goalkeeper impressed against Brighton & Hove Albion after being dropped in midweek.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has told the Chronicle he stuck by Matz Sels for the clash with Brighton & Hove Albion to give him more confidence.
The goalkeeper was in impressive form in the game, making several top saves to ensure his side kept a clean sheet and came away with a 2-0 win.
It was arguably his best performance in a Newcastle shirt to date with him making a somewhat shaky start to life in the North East.
Indeed, he had been dropped in favour of Karl Darlow in the EFL Cup win over Cheltenham in midweek and there were suggestions that could remain the case for the clash with Brighton.
It did not prove to be the case though and Benitez says that is because he wanted to give Selz confidence.
“It wasn’t easy. Karl Darlow did really well the other day and I had to make a decision,” he told the Chronicle.
“I did it to give more confidence. It is always difficult to make those decisions. I was really pleased with Karl anyway, butMatz made good saves and had a good game.”
Sels will be keen to build on this performance and make the Newcastle goalkeeper spot his own this season.
That position is one that Benitez has a number of options in so competition is certainly fierce for the role.
And Sels will have to keep putting in displays like this one to ensure he stays at the front of the queue.
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