Newcastle United gaffer Rafael Benitez has revealed reasons why he played Christian Atsu upfront against Stokes.

The Magpies defeated Stoke City by a lone goal to nothing on Monday evening with the Ghanaian playing at the final end of the field alongside Ayoze Perez.

Benitez says the telepathy between Atsu and Ayoze is good that is why he decided to pair them in a two-man attack.

“I knew that Atsu could play in this position, because I knew him before.” Benitez told The Shields Gazette

“Ayoze has very clear movement, and the understanding between them both was very good. Then the rest of the team were helping with good passes and movement.”

Atsu has been one of Newcastle’s best players so far this season.