Speaking ahead of Saturday’s match against West Ham, Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew admitted his side were fortunate to find striker Ayoze Perez. The English club were able to beat out the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona for the young forward’s signature this summer.
The Magpies boss went on to praise the £1.6 million signing from CD Tenerlife and warned Premier League opponents that the best is yet to come from the 21-year-old Spaniard, as he is still learning what it takes to be a top level European football player.
“We got lucky a bit, as we have somebody in Spain who alerted us,” Pardew told the press gathering.
“We got wind of this young player and there were some big clubs interested in him. We made him a very good offer, and it has paid off.”
“We weren’t supremely confident he would be the player he has become in the last few weeks, and he still has a lot to do, but so far, he is doing really, really well.”
The manager then when on to speak of Ayoze’s ability and the things he needs to improve on in order to become one of Europe’s best.
“He has great technical ability and I have worked with great technical players before. He has the technique that top players have. Now we have to transfer that into a physical specimen that can handle this division without taking away his speed and agility. There is a balance there, but he has improved massively.”
Pardew was asked is he was surprised by the impact the 21-year-old has had during Newcastle’s recent unbeaten run. Ayoze has scored three goals in as many starts, and the Magpies haven’t lost in six games.
“It hasn’t surprised me, the goals he’s scored, because that’s his strength. What has surprised me is some of his link-up play and movement. He also has clever, technical feet to get him out of tricky situations,” the manager said.
“That part of his game has surprised me a bit. He is not the complete package, but he’s certainly a great prospect.”
“He needs to improve his understanding of the game and his strength, both his speed and power. Retention of the ball is very important at this level and he needs to improve that too.”
“But we are talking of a player who can do all that. It’s not a million miles away for him. He is a goalscorer who loves scoring goals.”
Newcastle travel to Upton Park on Saturday to take on West Ham. The match kicks off at 10am EST and can be seen on Premier League Extra Time and NBC Sports Live Extra.
Here are Alan Pardew’s thoughts on Newcastle’s current run and what he expects from West Ham United:
