Diame is the man of the Mo-ment for Toon - Benitez

BOSS IS FULL OF PRAISE FOR ‘KEY’ MIDFIELD STAR

RAFA Benitez has hailed the role of Mo Diame ahead of Newcastle United’s trip to Crystal Palace.

The former Senegal international netted a very important goal in the corresponding fixture last season and Benitez still feels the 31-year-old has plenty to offer.

Diame retired from playing for his country in 2017 and Benitez is delighted with what he brings to the table for United.

He said: “We have some positions which are important during games.

“Some of them have been more consistent than others.

“Mo was brilliant for us in the second part of the season last year. He was really important for our success. “This year he is still somebody who is playing really positively and works really hard. “He plays and works with a smile on his face.” Benitez has also offered insight to what Diame brings to the squad behind the scenes too. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss added: “He is in a very good relationship with the majority of the players and he is a key man off the pitch and also on it. “He is the one who can regain the ball and do a job not too many people want to do. “At the same time, on his day he makes the difference when passing the ball.

“He is a team player rather than somebody who will make the difference on his own.

“Because he makes the difference for the team that is important for us.”

When asked if his international retirement from playing for the Lions of Teranga has aided Newcastle, Benitez said: “It is good for me as a manager because you can train with him more and with them.

“It is good for them too. They don’t need to travel around the world and they can rest and relax and then concentrate on their football.

“He is happy here and you can see that in his body language - it is very positive.”

Diame is actually out of contract at the end of the season and can leave the club on a free transfer, which could cost United more money to bring in an experienced replacement. Benitez is understood to be open to the idea of offering Diame a new deal. However, like so many things at St James’ Park it remains up in the air as long as the manager’s contract situation is also unresolved. When asked about Diame’s next move, Benitez said: “His future is very simple. “It is the next 90 minutes then after we will talk about more things.” Benitez was due to hold his pre-match press conference for the Crystal Palace game today. However, his view on the season ahead is simple. He added: “The big picture is to make sure the team is improving every week. “Every week is an opportunity to win. “We have to be sure we do everything to stay in the Premier League.”

Mo is in a very good relationship with the majority of the players and is a key man off the pitch and also on it Rafa Benitez