Newcastle United forward Ayoze Perez has heaped praise on manager Rafael Benitez after aiding his development since the club's return to the Premier League.
Perez has started in each of Newcastle's seven fixtures since the Magpies earned promotion from the Championship in May, with the Spaniard helping the club to sit in ninth place in the standings.
The 24-year-old has not always been among the first names on the teamsheet at St James' Park, and that has led to the player showing his gratitude to compatriot Benitez.
Perez told Sky Sports News: "It's been a great start for me, playing every game from the start and he gave me a lot of confidence.
"For a player that's key and he's been really important for me. I've learned a lot from him and I try to give him back the same.
"He always tries to speak with you, to teach you a lot of things, to improve, what you can do better. For a player, that's important."
Perez has scored 25 goals in 124 appearances for Newcastle in all competitions since arriving in the North-East in 2014.
Darren Plant
