Newcastle United

Alan Pardew hails 'bargain' Ayoze Perez

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter | 10 November 2014

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew hails striker Ayoze Perez over his form in recent weeks and claims that the Spaniard is proving a "great buy".

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has hailed in-form forward Ayoze Perez as the Spaniard continues to impress in his first season in England.

Perez opened the scoring in Sunday's 2-0 win at West Bromwich Albion with a nonchalant flick for his third Premier League goal in as many games.

The 21-year-old arrived at St James's Park for a paltry £1.5m in the summer, and Pardew is delighted with how the Spaniard has adapted to life in the Premier League.

"He was highly regarded and we worked hard to bring him to the football club.We thought his physicality could be an issue but he has such technical ability you are hoping that is going to see him through and it has," he told The Mirror.

"That goal was worthy of winning any game. He had to add a bit of pace to the ball with the flick and that is outstanding to do that.

"He had some great little moments. It was a risk to play him upfront on his own but he really worked hard. He was a player courted by some big clubs, in particular Porto, and Porto don't sign anyone. He has been a great buy for us."

The Magpies sit eighth in the Premier League table, having occupied a relegation spot in mid-October.