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Rafa Benitez has shown support for winger Kenedy after he was accused of being angry with the frequency at which he has been deployed at left-wingback or out of position this season, particularly against Huddersfield last weekend.

What did Benitez say?

Well, the Spaniard had this to say on the matter:

“I think he knows that he is not playing at the level he can play. But don’t forget that he is an offensive player who we are playing as a wing-back in a defensive formation — sometimes he was defending two against one.

“So we have to think that he has to adjust, he has to learn, and these kind of games will be a good experience for him.

“It was not easy for him because, tactically, it was a strange game. Not too many people have seen that, but Huddersfield started with five at the back and, as soon as they saw we were playing with five, they changed to four.

What might this mean going forward?

Benitez clearly feels that the Brazilian is still adjusting to the demands of his new role but was quick to defend his player after fans on Twitter berated both his effort and Benitez’s decision to use him in such a way.

If the Magpies boss’ words are anything to go by, the system his team is using at the moment is unlikely to change and Kenedy will continue in the five-man midfield – this formation accommodates centre-backs Federico Fernandez, Fabian Schar and Ciaran Clark. Fernandez and Schar have both been particularly impressive this season and have emerged as key players despite their side’s up and down performances.

The St James’ Park outfit host Fulham this weekend and should settle for nothing less than all three points as the Cottagers sit rock bottom of the table – a three/five-man defence may be most suitable to combat Claudio Ranieri’s fearsome front three so expect a similar approach to be taken on Saturday.

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