Yoan Gouffran is still blanking journalists after they turned on him last season.
The Frenchman scored his fourth goal of the season in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Cardiff City at St James’s Park and is back in form.
Newcastle were willing to listen to offers for Gouffran in the summer, but the 30-year-old, unwilling to take a pay cut, ended up staying at St James’s Park.
Gouffran, signed from Bordeaux in January 2013, has been a regular starter in the Championship.
However, he has refused to speak to written journalists all season.
Speaking to a reporter employed by the club after the Cardiff game, Gouffran said: “I am happy, and I am enjoying playing with my team-mates this year.
“This season it is really different, because I am playing with confidence and I hope that can continue.”
Gouffran has largely been used on the left side of Benitez’s midfield.
“Maybe (the system) has helped me,” said.
“Sometimes I can get free, and I can play my game, but the tactics are the choice of the manager.
“We are (top of the table), but it is not finished. The Championship is very long, and we want to win every week.”