Perez, signed from sun-kissed Tenerfie this summer, came off the bench to make his Premier League debut in yesterday’s 2-0 home defeat to Manchester City.
He came close to scoring seconds after his 83rd-minute introduction, which came with the game finely balance with City leading by David Silva’s first-half strike.
Fellow debutant Remy Cabella played him in on the left side of the box, and Perez’s right-footed shot was deflected and flew inches wide.
The 21-year-old, mindful of the demands of English football, has also worked hard on his physique.
Alan Pardew: “I have been impressed with him in pre-season.
“Since he came to us, he must have grown a centimetre in muscle mass.
“He has got fantastic technique, though, and he didn’t really do much wrong with that chance. He created a little moment, and it was only an unbelievable recovery tackle that stopped him scoring.
“He’s got a lovely manner to him, and we have high hopes for him. I think he will play a part this season – how soon, we will have to wait and see.”