Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles has developed hugely since arriving at St. James’ Park.
Benitez has always been a huge fan of Lascelles, and made the centre-back captain last season.
Lascelles has certainly repaid his manager’s faith, as he has become an integral presence in Newcastle’s team.
And Benitez believes that the improvement in Lascelles is an example of how he likes to develop players.
“I like to coach players and I like to improve them,” he said.
“Jamaal Lascelles is an example of a player who is growing in stature and everybody can see the difference.
“To improve players you need time, and we are at the beginning of the season.”
When Lascelles arrived at Newcastle he came as a promising youngster from Nottingham Forest.
The centre-back is now an establish Premier League player, and has been tipped as a future England international.
Lascelles and Benitez actually have had their differences this season, but all seems to have been resolved now.
Newcastle are set to take on Arsenal at the weekend, when Lascelles is set to start.
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