Former Liverpool and Spain star Luis Garcia has tipped Newcastle United’s Ayoze Perez to get a call up to the Spanish international side after seeing him score against Huddersfield on Saturday.
The 25-year-old attacking midfielder, who has also been used as a striker in the past, netted the Magpies’ second, Salomon Rondon scoring the first, to sink the ten-man Terriers and secure a much needed three points.
Asked whether Perez should be handed a call up to the Spanish national side, Garcia gave his fellow countryman his backing.
He told Sky Sports’ Goals on Sunday (24/02, 12:26): “It’s a difficult one at the top because we’ve (Spain) have been struggling having different strikers with Rodrigo, (Diego) Costa, (Alvaro) Morata but he’s doing a great job.
“He definitely deserves a try because he’s been amazing, it’s not easy in a team which is being rebuilt, hasn’t had much help for Rafael Benitez but every time he is on the pitch he delivers something special.
“He’s a very technical player, knows how to move to score goals and it is something that maybe Rafa was asking a little bit more (from him).”
Opinion
Perez has often been someone who has been heavily criticised by the Newcastle faithful this season but he has not let the haters stop him from trying to make a difference under Rafa Benitez – the criticism perhaps inspiring his fingers in the ears celebration. However he has certainly upped his game in recent weeks and is starting to make a real impact both in terms of scoring goals and helping create opportunities for others. He has always been a right place, right time type of forward, rather than someone who is going to produce consistent moments of magic, and he showed that once again on Saturday at St James’ Park. He might not be everyone’s cup of tea but he is obviously well trusted under Benitez – so could his form turn into a Spain call up? The Toon Army will think it unlikely but Garcia has faith and so only time will tell.