On-loan Newcastle United striker Salomon Rondon has revealed how Rafael Benitez has helped the forward enjoy one of his best-ever seasons in front of goal.
Rondon, who agreed a season-long switch from West Brom last summer, has netted 10 Premier League goals this season – more than the tallies of nine, eight and seven he managed in three campaigns with the Baggies.
Speaking to the Newcastle Chronicle, Venezuelan forward Rondon spoke about how Magpies manager Benitez’s decision to provide support up top has helped him in front of goal this term.
“I have scored 10 league goals this season now and I am really happy for that,” the 29-year-old said. “When I was at West Brom, it was a difficult situation. When we went down [last season], I scored nine goals.
“But, a striker like me, I need players around me like Ayoze [Perez], [Miguel]Almiron, [Christian] Atsu, [Yoshinori] Muto – players that try to play the ball to my feet so I can get the ball and try to score. I am proud and really happy.
“It not the best [goal-scoring season] because when I was in Spain [at Malaga] I scored 14 goals. But I am happy. I try to score goals. Sometimes you miss, but I can play an assist.
“I always try to do my best. I think is the reason Rafa brought me – to try and help the team, and try to score goals.”
OPINION
Rondon is right to reflect on his season as an impressive one – not only do the stats show it, but his overall performances have been superb. Along with 10 Premier League goals, Rondon has chipped in with seven assists in 31 Premier League appearances and, alongside the likes of Ayoze Perez, he has been one of the Magpies’ best players this season. In his last game against Liverpool, his finish was brilliant and Rondon was part of the reason why Newcastle deserved more than a point from that game. Benitez will undoubtedly want to make the striker’s loan from West Brom permanent, not only for the goals he scores but because of the balance he has in the team with Perez. The pair have been great for Newcastle this term and can form an attacking bedrock for the club next season. If Newcastle can make his loan move permanent it would be great for them, but finding another player like that could prove difficult.