Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino has struggled for first-team appearances lately.
Merino started the season in wonderful form for the Magpies, but in recent weeks he has been left on the substitutes’ bench.
Benitez has favoured picking Jonjo Shelvey alongside Mohamed Diame in Newcastle’s midfield.
And the Spanish boss claims that the reason Merino and Isaac Hayden are being left on the sideline is because of the form of their teammates at St. James’ Park.
“We need players who can dictate the tempo of the game, manage the game for us, and when Mikel was playing well, Jonjo needed to work harder,” Benitez said.
“Now Jonjo’s doing well, so Mikel has to work harder.
“Jonjo’s been doing well, Diame’s been doing well, and so it’s been difficult for Merino and (Isaac) Hayden,”
Merino’s first season in English football can still be looked on positively, as he has caught the eye at times.
The Spanish midfielder initially was only brought in on loan from Borussia Dortmund, but Newcastle quickly paid £7 million to make the move permanent, as reported by Sky Sports.
Merino’s season can be split into two halves, as he has struggled for form more since picking up an injury.
The 21-year-old could still have a big role to play over the remaining weeks of the season, as Newcastle look to battle against the drop.
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