Rafa: Perez good enough to play for Spain
Rafa Benitez has told Ayoze Perez he can realise his dream of playing for Spain – if he keeps bringing goals to Newcastle.
The Spanish forward, who scored the Magpies’ equaliser and made the winner for Matt Ritchie in the 2-1 home win over Arsenal a week ago, has netted in each of the last three games.
That has taken Perez’s tally to seven this season and boss Benitez admits clubs in Spain, including Real Betis, are enquiring about the 24-year-old.
Perez, signed by former boss Alan Pardew from Tenerife nearly four years ago for £1.8 million, won only two caps for Spain at Under-21 level but is still hoping to break into the senior ranks.
Benitez, whose side are at Everton tomorrow night, said: “I don’t know whether it will be now, because Spain have a very good team, but Ayoze has the potential to play for them if he continues learning, because he has quality.
“He can make mistakes – he can give the ball away sometimes and the fans say he’s lightweight. But he’s doing a great job and has the potential and vision maybe other players don’t have.
“We know he has talent and quality, but he has to be more consistent. If he was more consistent, maybe he would be scoring 20 goals a season and he wouldn’t be here – we’d have teams from Spain or England knocking on the door and asking for him.
“At the moment, we have teams asking for him, but still we can enjoy him because he’s a player who has plenty of room for improvement.
“If he continues improving and being stronger, he will be a much better player.’’
Meanwhile, Benitez is targeting a further loan deal for Chelsea winger Kenedy next season. The 22-year-old Brazilian has confessed he would be keen on a permanent move.
Benitez said: “I’d say yes (to another loan), but you would have to ask Chelsea. It wasn’t easy to bring him here and it wouldn’t be easy to bring him again.
“I am happy because we’ve been winning and he’s scored goals.
“If there is other interest in him, you can’t change that. If you want to win and he’s doing well, you have to play him.
“Will it be more difficult for us? I’m not sure as he’s so happy he’ll be keen to stay.’’