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2018-19 Newcastle United player evaluation: Ayoze Perez

By Carson A Merk

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: Ayoze Perez of Newcastle United celebrates after he scores his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Cardiff City at St. James Park on January 19, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: Ayoze Perez of Newcastle United celebrates after he scores his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Cardiff City at St. James Park on January 19, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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When Newcastle United needed a goal, Ayoze Perez stepped up in a big way.

While Salomon Rondon won NUFC Player of the Year, Ayoze Perez certainly had a claim for Most Valuable Player for Newcastle United. Throughout the season, the Spaniard provided crucial goals and assists. Was his performance this year good enough to seal him a move to Spurs or earn a call-up with Spain? We discuss that and more.

2018-19 Premier League stats: 37 appearances, 12 goals, two assists, 51% shooting accuracy

Durim Halimi

Ayoze Perez put up the best numbers of his Premier League career this season with 12 goals, most of which came when the team needed them the most after January. Perez has the potential to be the best player on the pitch every game, but he struggles with maintaining consistent form. Several clubs are after the club’s top scorer, a title which he claimed for the second straight season, and from a business perspective this is the best time to sell Perez.

However, as a fan I would like the Spaniard to stay on Tyneside. His chemistry with Miguel Almiron generates optimism and if the Toon can bring back Salomon Rondon one can only imagine the offensive efficiency Newcastle United will have next term. Perez has improved every season with the Magpies and I think he can build on this success next season if he opts to stay. As we all know, though, Perez’s decision will be influenced by Rafa Benitez’s course of action. If Benitez stays I think Perez will, too.

2019-20 NUFC outlook: Surefire Starter

Carson A. Merk

There’s always a debate in other sports if a player has the clutch gene or the “it factor” in big moments. While he may not be the most talented or consistent player, Ayoze Perez was always ready to step up when the club needed him most.

This summer is definitely the right time to move him. With heavy links to Tottenham, Newcastle United should get good value on a player that is in his prime but not always reliable. If Spurs don’t seal the deal, expect for him to go either to a Spanish club or potentially Arsenal. He will be remembered fondly around Tyneside, but his value will never be higher than right now and he needs to go.

2019-20 NUFC outlook: Sell this man