OPINION
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez was asked to explain what he was like as a player and it led to a very surprising answer.
The Magpies explained that he was sort of a holding midfielder in his playing days and was then prompted to compare himself to a current footballer in order to share what type of player he was more clearly.
Benitez admitted it was difficult to do before stating he will compare himself to current members of Newcastle team, and this led to him comparing himself to midfield duo Isaac Hayden and Jonjo Shelvey.
“It’s difficult but I will give you players here, I will say I’m between Hayden and Jonjo Shelvey” said Benitez on Soccer AM (Sky Sports Premier League, 11:42am, Saturday May 4th).
While Benitez may have been like Shelvey or Hayden when he was a player, given both of these players seem exit-bound in the summer it’s a bit of surprise.
The Chronicle reported in April that Hayden may leave in the summer due to personal reasons while Shelvey, who wants to play more, has West Ham keen on acquiring his services.
Clearly you think Benitez would go all out to keep players he believes he is similar to as he no doubt will know how to get the best out of them.
While Hayden’s exit may be out of his hands, as that seems to be driven by the player, what about Shelvey?
The only reason the 27-year-old’s future is up in the air is because Benitez hasn’t used him enough this season when the player has been available.
Shelvey has only featured in two of the Magpies’ last five league matches and given his talent, he has every right to look elsewhere.
Aside from the duo both being exit bound, many Newcastle fans are sure to be lost for words over him comparing himself to Magpies duo as it won’t exactly ease their nerves.
Shelvey seems likely to exit, Hayden seems destined to leave; so does that mean Benitez is heading out the door too? His contract is set to end shortly after all.
While that may be jumping the gun a little, it’s fair to say Magpies fans will definitely be surprised by Benitez viewing himself as being a player similar to Shelvey and Hayden.