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Newcastle news: Stuart Pearce picks one star who must perform for Rafa Benitez to succeed
NEWCASTLE loanee Kenedy is key to Rafa Benitez’s success in the Premier League this season.
Newcastle: Benitez holding club together says expert
That is according to Sky Sports pundit and former Newcastle defender Stuart Pearce.
Kenedy spent the second-half of last season on loan at St James’ Park from Chelsea.
The Brazilian impressed under Rafa Benitez and was brought back for the entirety of this campaign.
He started the first two games of the season but missed the chance of being the hero against Cardiff 11 days ago, seeing his stoppage time penalty saved in the 0-0 draw.
He’ll be one that is going to have to deliver for Newcastle both tonight and going forward if they are going to be successful
And speaking ahead of the Carabao Cup clash against Nottingham Forest tonight, Pearce claimed Kenedy would be vital to Newcastle’s hopes of finishing as high as possible in the league.
“Well I think he did well enough last year,” he said.
“They wanted him back at the club, they’ve had a good look at him, both as a man and as a player.
“He’ll be one that is going to have to deliver for Newcastle both tonight and going forward if they are going to be successful in the Premier League.”
Newcastle boss Benitez was criticised for his defensive approach to the 2-1 loss to Chelsea on Sunday.
However, Pearce says the Spaniard is experienced enough to know the right way to approach games and should not be questioned.
“You can be critical of Newcastle and their tactics, but when you’re in the hot-seat like Rafa has been and achieved what Rafa has, I’m not sure you can overly question his tactics,” Pearce added.
“He’s put his team out to try and get a result for the club.
“They’ve had a tough start to the season in the way the fixtures have panned out, certainly this weekend coming is going to be the same.
“You try to get results on the board.”
Benitez's side have picked up just one point from their opening three league games of the season.
Newcastle's task does not get any easier, with a trip to reigning champions Manchester City on the agenda this Saturday.