Rafa Benitez believes Newcastle United must enjoy Kenedy’s performances “while he is here” after admitting he has “no idea” if the Magpies will be able to make the Brazilian’s loan move permanent this summer.
The 22-year-old scored a brace during the Magpies’ crucial 3-0 victory over Southampton at St James’ Park on Saturday and was excellent throughout.
Those two goals were Kenedy’s first for Newcastle since he joined from Chelsea on a half-season loan in January, a deal which does not contain an option to buy.
Benitez has been impressed by the left-winger’s impact during his first six weeks as a Magpies player, stressing Kenedy’s ability on the ball - as well as his pace and energy - have given a new dimension to Newcastle’s attack.
However, Benitez is unsure whether United will be able to convince Chelsea to allow the Brazilian to move to St James’ Park permanently this summer.
“It’s more than his energy and pace, he is a player who is comfortable on the ball,” Benitez replied when asked why Kenedy had made such a difference to his Newcastle side.
“His delivery, his crosses and set pieces - he is somebody who is different and he is a player playing with confidence now.
“His goals will help that. We already had a bit of pace with [Christian] Atsu and [Jacob] Murphy, and the ability and workrate of [Matt] Ritchie, but Kenedy is good on the ball, he does not give it away easily and he gives us more control.
“I have no idea if there is a chance we can keep him after the end of the season, I think at the moment we have to make sure we enjoy him while he is here.”
Questions have been raised about Kenedy’s attitude in the past, with the 22-year-old sent home early from Chelsea’s pre-season tour to China last summer after allegedly posting offensive comments on social media.
But there have been no such disciplinary issues on Tyneside so far, with Benitez citing improved communication between the player and coaching staff as one of the reasons why Kenedy - who suffered a slight niggle in training this week - has settled in so quickly.
“He has been fine. He had a bit of an [injury] problem this week, but he was pushing to play and he was fine,” Benitez saif of Kenedy’s attitude.
“We have an advantage because, although Spanish and Portuguese are not the same, they have very similar words so this helps me speak to him.
“Then he can understand, although he also speaks English well. It helps with communication.
“He has slotted in very well and, to be fair, the atmosphere between players is very good. He is a young player, he is quiet, but he has a good relationship with all the players.
“There are some players he can talk with a little bit more, he can speak Portuguese with them. His confidence is good and he has the possibility to express himself here.
“He wants to play football and he is doing that really well.”