Since Martin Dubravka and Kenedy joined Newcastle United in January the club has enjoyed a season turnaround and now sit in the top half of the table.
The additions of Kenedy and Martin Dubravka in January cannot go unnoticed for Newcastle, as the club have experienced quite the season turnaround since the pair joined.
Since 23 January – the date that Rafa Benitez managed to capture Kenedy on loan from Chelsea – Newcastle have played nine games in the Premier League so far, losing only one, which is far better than their record in the previous nine games when they lost five.
The fixtures with Kenedy and Dubravka at their disposal have seen Newcastle secure victories over Manchester United, Arsenal and Leicester, and has seen the club climb into the top 10.
Things were not looking good at all for the Toon earlier this season, however, it can be safely said that they are no longer in any danger of facing the drop and seem to have successfully retained their Premier League status in their first season back.
“In January we brought in Dubravka and Kenedy, they brought us different things, competition, and everyone was trying even harder. That was a key factor,” Benitez explained.
“The mentality of this group and team spirit is also really good. Paul Dummett was also a key player for us after four months out when he came back. The last games we did well under pressure and they have all contributed.”
There is no doubt that the Newcastle squad still requires a lot of work if they are to get back to cementing themselves as Premier League regulars. With Benitez at the helm, the club are in a great position to do so, however, the Spaniard must be given sufficient funds to improve the squad.
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