Rafa Benitez hails Perez and Rondon after Everton comeback

Lionel Messi is one of the best to play the game, if not the best. While I’m in the camp that Cristiano Ronaldo is better, you must never deny the legendary ability of Lionel Messi. So to hear Newcastle United’s manager, Rafa Benitez, liken two players to his greatness it comes as a shock.

But he’s not wrong in his statements.

“The link between Ayoze Perez and Salomon Rondon, if Messi was doing that everybody would be talking about the goal.” Rafa Benitez said.

He is absolutely, positively, 100% correct in that assessment. If Messi had manufactured a comeback against anyone it would be seen as greatness in the eyes of all who behold it. Ayoze Perez assisted Rondon before scoring twice in three minutes to lead the magpies to a win over the Toffees, silencing critics, and earning critical acclaim in the process. Is the Perez we had signed years ago finally coming into greatness?

No, not really. But he’s definitely one of our most clutch players. And the pairing with him and Rondon have made for a lethal combination this season.

So Rafa is right, the greatness witnessed today at St. James Park would have been hailed as legendary if Lionel Messi had done it. So why not call this comeback legendary? And label both Rondon and Perez as quite possibly one of the best duos upfront in Newcastle United history?

Don’t @ me.