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Rafa Benitez impressed with Aleksandar Mitrovic’s hard work but sees room for improvement

Newcastle United's Aleksandar Mitrovic scores their first goal (REUTERS)
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Mitrovic has scored a brace in each of his last two games.

Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez seems impressed with the hard work coming from Aleksandar Mitrovic, the Chronicle reports.

Mitrovic has recently rewarded the manager’s faith in starting him for both games against Preston by bagging a brace in both the EFL Cup and Championship games.

Newcastle United's Aleksandar Mitrovic scores their first goalNewcastle United’s Aleksandar Mitrovic scores their first goal

The Serb has had to wait for his opportunities at times this season with Dwight Gayle in such fine form up front, and Benitez believes Mitrovic still has some room for improvement.

He’s quoted in the Chronicle, saying: “I approach every competition as one game at a time and it is the same for players in terms of their development.

“He is doing well, he is working hard and when he’s not playing he’s working even harder.

“Against Preston, he was doing really well and he was doing what he has to do.

“He will improve, he will grow and we want him to keep doing that.”

Newcastle United's Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates after the gameNewcastle United’s Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates after the game

It’s easy to forget that Mitrovic is only 22, and his best years are firmly ahead of him. Decision making and composure are both qualities that will improve with more experience.

It’s also not uncommon for Benitez to look for even more from his players after impressive displays. He’s evidently pleased with what Mitrovic has produced recently but seems to want him to do more, in a way that can obviously keep the forward motivated.

Benitez seems to be a big fan of the player, and has rewarded his hard work and good performances of late, but it’s clear that he wants no sign of complacency to creep in.

Preston North End Manager Simon Grayson and Newcastle United Manager Rafael BenitezPreston North End Manager Simon Grayson and Newcastle United Manager Rafael Benitez