Kenedy’s Woes

For Newcastle fans, having a player giving his all on the pitch is one of the best sights to see. A never say die attitude, showing passion for the black and white shirt, do that and fans will not have any complaints. Unfortunately, so far this season Kenedy has looked a shadow of himself. His performance against Cardiff summed up his early season form, the Brazilian was very lucky to escape a red card, before going on to miss a last minute penalty.

Kenedy came off the bench against Arsenal on Saturday, an ideal time to prove himself and put his dreadful form behind him. The Chelsea loanee did little to excite the Newcastle fans, sloppily losing possession on a number of occasions, while failing to beat the first man with his crosses.

The Brazilian did not look interested at all against Arsenal, it showed in his performance. Kenedy gave an interview revealing he has no intention of staying at Newcastle beyond this season. “I hope this year I can make a good season for Newcastle and go back to Chelsea to continue,” said Kenedy. “I have a dream to return and to be a champion for the club.”

The interview did little to please the Newcastle fans, Kenedy is in one of the toughest spells of his career. The young midfielder must get his mind focused on playing for Newcastle United and nothing else. If the Brazilian has the desire to succeed at his parent club, Chelsea, he must prove that he is capable of playing consistently well for Newcastle. Chelsea have a wealth of options in Kenedy’s position, making it even more vital he performs well this season. So far Chelsea manager, Maurizio Sarri will have looked at Kenedy’s loan report and been unimpressed.

At just 22, Kenedy still has a lot to learn, he has a manager in Rafael Benitez that can get the very best from the Brazilian, he showed that last season. However, Kenedy seems to think he has nothing to prove this season, appearing lazy, with a lack of effort at times. Benitez opted to start with Jacob Murphy ahead of Kenedy against Arsenal, if the Chelsea loanee continues with his current form and attitude, Murphy will replace him permanently.

Newcastle face Crystal Palace away, followed by a home game against Leicester and a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United. If there was ever a time for Kenedy to stand up and be counted it’s now.