Kenedy was utilised as a full-back by Rafael Benitez in Newcastle United’s last match.
Kenedy’s form at Newcastle has dipped in recent weeks, and he has been forced to play in an unfamiliar role.
Against Huddersfield Town, Kenedy played as a wing-back, rather than as a winger.
And Benitez felt that Huddersfield’s change of system made it difficult for the Newcastle man to cope.
“We have to think that he has to adjust, he has to learn, and these kind of games will be a good experience for him,” Benitez said.
“It was not easy for him because, tactically, it was a strange game. Not too many people have seen that, but Huddersfield started with five at the back and, as soon as they saw we were playing with five, they changed to four.
“Then it means that they have a winger close to Kenedy, and he was wing-back for us. So he has a winger close to him, and a full-back going all the time. Normally, Kenedy would go forward.
“He had to deal with the distance and maybe two players coming at him. Tactically, for a player who is normally an offensive player to adjust his position in defence, it was not easy.”
Newcastle have been playing in a 5-3-2 formation in recent weeks, and it has worked to great impact.
The Magpies have started to collect points with much more frequency, and despite Kenedy’s struggles, they picked up an important three points against Huddersfield.
Newcastle won 1-0 against the Terriers, with Salomon Rondon’s goal proving the difference between the two sides.
Newcastle are now up in 14th place in the Premier League table, with their next match coming against Fulham.
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