BBC pundit Jermiane Jenas has explained he was surprised when Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez substituted off Kenedy in the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.
The left-winger was taken off after 57 minutes in the Premier League clash after making a positive impact on the match.
He caused a threat to the Palace full-backs with his pace and trickery, while his corner resulted in the opening goal for Mohaemd Diame.
Luka Milivojevic responded from the penalty spot early in the second period and the visitors had to settle for a point on the road.
Jonas has claimed he was surprised that the threatening Kenedy was withdrawn early in the second-half.
“I was surprised by Newcastle who were on the front foot, Benitez deployed a very attacking side,” Jenas said on BBC One programme Match of the Day 2.
“Kenedy was very progressive, but I was surprised he came off. He was one of the players that could really give Palace some problems.”
OPINION
Kenedy has made a great start with Newcastle since his loan switch from Chelsea and is already improving with more minutes on the pitch. Jenas has revealed he was surprised at his withdrawal against Palace after playing so well, but the 21-year-old has rarely played this campaign and Benitez could be easing him back into full action. It would make sense not to burn him out with two games in the space of five days as he was on the fringes of the Chelsea squad in the first half of the season. He has clearly already added an injection of quality in the final third and when another January arrival in the shape of Islam Slimani is involved, the duo could potentially strike up a lethal partnership in attack.