Kenedy looks set to become the sixth signing of the summer with a loan deal from Chelsea set to go through. The Mirror were the ones to break the news on Wednesday night. They reported that Rafa Benitez had moved quickly to secure the deal using his contacts at Stamford Bridge. The Brazilian needs to rebuild his reputation after a controversial incident while on pre-season tour and it looks like he will be doing that at St James’ Park.
The 21-year-old arrived in England with a developing reputation after some superb performances in his homeland. As a typical Brazilian, he possesses flair and a penchant for dribbling.
He started his career as a winger and caused lots of damage with his wand of a left foot, as he frequently cut inside from the right to unleash shots on goal.
Kenedy is direct and looks to release the ball as quickly as he can in a positive way. It is rare to see him hold on the ball for the sake of it and that is a positive trait to have.
During his time in Brazil, it was thought that he would be able to transition to the European game with ease, due to his impressive physicality. He was compared to Hulk on several occasions, as he possesses a similar body shape and powerful running style with the ball.
However, he has struggled to establish himself at Chelsea, which isn’t a huge surprise. The Blues are one of the best clubs in the world and it takes a special player to emerge as a first team regular.
Kenedy remains young and is still learning about his game. A loan spell could be what is needed to give him the momentum required. During his time at Stamford Bridge, he has mainly been used as a left-back, which shows his versatility.
It isn’t known where Benitez sees him playing for Newcastle, but he will provide depth and balance to the squad. This can only be a good thing as the Premier League season draws closer.
To find out more about our rumoured sixth signing, we asked Chelsea fan George Stokes a few questions about him:
1) How would you describe Kenedy as a player? What is his best position?
A good option to have in a squad, but can’t imagine him as a starter in the Premier League. Pacey, skillful, a typical Brazilian in my opinion, but haven’t seen enough of him at Chelsea to really judge.
In terms of position, he came as a winger, but hasn’t had a chance there, so has been forced in as a left wing back, and hasn’t looked too bad there.
2) How would you rate his performances for Chelsea when he did play?
Average. He looked okay in his first year under Mourinho when he played, but in the Watford game last season under Conte, he looked good going forward, but defensively all over the place.
3) Why is he currently not in Antonio Conte’s plans?
I think he would’ve been a potential back up LWB had the China debacle not happened. He made Conte and the club’s position pretty untenable, so a loan move to get him out of the spotlight for a year could be perfect.
4) Is he good enough to be a regular in the Premier League?
I don’t think he’s good enough to be a regular at Chelsea, but at Newcastle it’s a different matter. He didn’t get the chance at Watford for some reasons, but competing against Dummett and Haidara, there’s no reason he shouldn’t get starts.
5) Do you think he will be a good signing for Newcastle?
As I said about the other left backs at Newcastle, there’s no reason if he applies himself correctly, that he can’t get himself into Benitez’s starting XI.
Thanks to George for taking the time to answer these questions.