Benitez favourite one of three Newcastle stars who must be axed v Southampton
Ayoze Perez
Many fans have been questioning the inclusion of Ayoze Perez in all of the Magpies’ league games this season, and his performance against Liverpool would not have changed their thinking.
Operating in the number 10 role, he offers very little, not being particularly strong, quick, agile or possessing the necessary vision and technique to fill the role of a playmaker.
Yes, the former Tenerife attacker is a willing runner and works hard to defend from the front, but a midfielder with better suited skills to the role could also do the same, while offering a lot more to the role.
It seems unlikely Benitez is going to drop one of his clear favourites to the bench, but he is sacrificing an attacking nature for a defensive approach, and fans will be hoping that changes soon.
In other Newcastle United news, Benitez looks set to offload a first team attacker with top flight clubs circling.
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