COMMENT By Russell Edge

Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez will be feeling pretty satisfied with his team's start to the season as they go into the international break.

The Spanish boss has guided his side to ninth on their return to the Premier League, with 10 points from seven games.

After a less than impressive start against Tottenham, no thanks to Jonjo Shelvey's red card, the Magpies would have been worried after seeing themselves stutter in another defeat to fellow promoted side Huddersfield.

However Benitez ensured to keep his players well drilled and it paid off with a hugely impressive 3-0 victory at home over a West Ham side who invested heavily over the summer.

The fine form continued with wins over Swansea and Stoke, before a defeat to Brighton was followed by a hard working 1-1 draw with Liverpool.

Benitez can be proud of many of his players, but there have been a couple who have stood out among the crowd.

Here, Football Insider looks at Newcastle's top three players so far this season, including one man who has made Benitez look like a fool.

Click '2' below to see midfielder who is proving his top flight talent

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Matt Ritchie

Perhaps the first name on this list is the most obvious.

Matt Ritchie has been outstanding for the Magpies this season, and he is proving to former side Bournemouth what a mistake it was to let him depart.

The club's leading assist maker, Ritchie has more often than not been the catalyst for their success, and when he plays well, it appears to lift his team mates' performances too.

The 28-year-old's passion and drive mean that he is a crucial player both in attack and defence, and if he continues his fine form, it promises to be a bright season for both the player and the club.

Click '3' below to see who the midfielder who is taking the league by storm

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Mikel Merino

What a revelation Mikel Merino has been in the Magpies' midfield.

Signed on a one year loan deal from German giants Borussia Dortmund, the central midfielder possesses such quality and finesse on the ball, it is hard to forget he is just 21-years-old.

Couple his on-the-ball technique with his tenacity and dynamism in the centre of the park, and you have a player who was born to succeed in the Premier League.

A superb find for Benitez, and it will likely be a matter of when, not if, they try and tie him to a permanent deal.

Click '4' below to see who the man who has made Benitez look like a fool

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Rob Elliot

Trying to name just three players in this list has been a difficult task, with the likes of Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark both worthy of mention.

However it is the man who stands behind the defensive duo who deserves real acclamation after his start this season.

Rob Elliot has been in fantastic form this season, having been chosen as the club's first choice shot stopper, and there can be little doubt that he has been pivotal to the club's success.

The 31-year-old has pulled off some outstanding saves to keep the opposition at bay, and his team mates owe the Republic of Ireland stopper as he has kept them in matches single-handedly.

Rafa Benitez was heavily linked with a new goalkeeper over the summer, but the form of Elliot has made his boss look somewhat of a fool.

There is no doubt that the Spanish boss, Elliot's team mates and the entirety of the Toon Army will be hoping he can keep it up all season.

In other Newcastle United news, Benitez's decision to let this man go has turned into a £4million mistake.

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