Neil Redfearn has praised ‘mercurial’ talent Victor Fernandez for his man of the match display in the U-23’s win over Sunderland this week – claiming he was ‘unplayable’ at times.
The Spanish winger has had a torrid 12 months, undergoing a long spell on the sidelines after heel surgery, however he’s now fully fit and firing agains at reserve level.
Rafa Benitez regularly included the Barcelona-born 21-year-old in his pre-season plans and The Chronicle claim he’s now pushing for a first-team call up under Steve Bruce after standing out at U-23 level since returning.
Here’s what Neil Redfearn has had to say about his ‘unplayable’ performance in midweek, which saw him win a penalty and score in a 2-0 win over Sunderland:
“He was mercurial.
“In the first half he was unplayable, it was like tackling smoke.
“They couldn’t get near him.
“It was a great run for the penalty and he was always going to bring him down, then he took his goal well.”
This isn’t the first time he’s impressed since returning, with him being our stand out player and only bright spark in a 4-0 hammering at home to Man Utd in August.
His injury issues must clear up if he’s got any chance of cutting it at senior level, so it feels crucial that he stay fit between now and next summer if he’s to earn a new deal.
That said, he has pace to burn and superb dribbling, with it looking like the ball is glued to his feet when he’s in full flow.
One to watch over the coming weeks and months, especially at a club that is in desperate need of added spark in the attacking third.
I think Redfearn needs to check his dictionary to see what “mercurial” actually means.
Since coming back Fernandez has been superb. Nothing mercurial about that.
Briiian(Quote)