TOON WILL THRIVE UNDER MASTER TACTICIAN RAFA

RAFA BENITEZ is squeezing the best out of Newcastle because he is a “master tactician”, according to Michael Owen.

The former Newcastle striker reckons Benitez (above) can keep the Geordies fighting this season, because of his brilliance at setting teams up to stop the opposition.

But he also thinks a takeover – if owner Mike Ashley (right) is willing to sell – and a cash injection could see the Spaniard kick the club on to a higher level.

Owen says he got “the biggest eye-opener I’ve ever had in terms of a tactical master class” in a pre-season game playing for Liverpool against a Benitez-led Valencia.

He said: “We were looking at each other and saying, ‘Did you see what I saw?’

“Every time you got the ball you could not see a hole in their defence. I could not even get the ball to my feet, even if Stevie Gerrard had it. They had only four across midfield. Their positional play was so good it felt that you couldn’t string two passes together.

“He had them that welldrilled – and he has Newcastle drilled too. We all know his capabilities and I think he is actually getting the best out of what he has got at

Newcastle.

“Rafa is a master tactician. I played under him for only a month or so before moving to Real Madrid in August 2004 when he first joined Liverpool. Subsequently, I spoke to Jamie Carragher and Stevie G and people like that afterwards.

“He sort of plays the game for you, in a way. By that, I mean he is always on the sidelines telling you where to go, pushing you here, pulling you there. He wants to dictate and spot things and try to solve problems. If you are a creative player, you like to be given a free rein, but he comes into his own when working with defenders, midfielders and positional play.”

Newcastle have been solid, but have let points slip away ahead of some tough games.

Owen reckons fresh investment would certainly help. He said: “Every manager would love money to spend. If it is the right takeover, I’m sure with a new passion and new injection of money and general feel-good factor, it can work.

“Newcastle is a one-club city and when the club is doing well everybody is buzzing and there’s a bounce in their step.

“I think any bit of news like that will improve morale and spirit among the fans, and that is always positive.

“It just depends on Mike Ashley – if he is willing to sell and if a new person comes in that has the club at heart.”