Key man too important: Three areas Newcastle United must improve after win v Stoke
The playmaker role
For all five of the Magpies’ Premier League games this season, Benitez has utilised Ayoze Perez in the hole just behind the sole striker, yet his insistence to play the 24-year-old is yet to pay dividends.
With just one assist and a couple of sub-par performances, the team cannot afford to carry anyone, especially someone in as important a position as Perez is occupying.
Yes, his game against Stoke was the best the former Tenerife man has played this season, with impressive movement and running, but it still looks an area of weakness within the side.
The manager used Mo Diame in the same role in the Championship last season, so Perez will know the pressure is building on him from the bench to have a meaningful impact.
Another option is to make use of Jonjo Shelvey in that position, making use of his impressive passing range while freeing him from the defensive responsibility that a deeper role requires.
Click ‘4’ below to see the first area which needs improving after victory over Stoke