Rafa Benitez has revealed he was impressed with Kenedy after he made his Newcastle United debut on Tuesday but explained the 21-year-old needs to work on his match fitness.
Kenedy joined the Magpies on loan from Chelsea in January and made his debut on Wednesday during Newcastle United’s 1-1 draw with Burnley.
The left-footed winger, who can also play at left-back, won a penalty in the first half for his new side after bursting into the box.
However, Joselu failed to convert the penalty with Nick Pope saving the forward’s effort.
Kenedy only made six appearances for Chelsea this season prior to joining the Magpies, and Benitez revealed that the only negative he had to say about the 21-year-old after watching his debut was regarding his fitness.
“Kenedy has to improve his match fitness, but in terms of the quality he has good deliveries and good passes, he’s giving us something, and hopefully he will give us more,” said Benitez, as quoted by the Shield Gazette.
The Magpies are next in action against Crystal Palace on Sunday, and could overtake them with victory as the Magpies are currently only two points behind them in the league.
OPINION
It’s understandable that Kenedy needs to work on his match fitness after hardly featuring for Chelsea. However Newcastle United supporters and Benitez were no doubt impressed by the 21-year-old’s debut. The winger was unlucky not to help his side earn three points, as Joselu really should have done better from the penalty spot, after Kenedy’s efforts gave the forward a golden opportunity from the spot. The left-footed player didn’t manage to play the full 90 minutes against Burnley due to his fitness issues, but will no doubt feature against Palace on Sunday. Hopefully, the 21-year-old will successfully recover from Wednesday’s game, and he will last longer than 72 minutes against Palace. As the Magpies could really do with him on the pitch in such a crucial game.