Last time we played Cardiff, the game was all about Kenedy. Sadly, it was for the wrong reasons.
The Brazilian had a shocking first half that saw him complete zero passes. In the second half, he avoided a red card for kicking out at an opponent. Then to top things off, he missed a penalty in stoppage time.
Since that game, Kenedy hasn’t been the player he once was.
Last season, his arrival from Chelsea was one of the reasons we survived. This season though, Kenedy has been a shadow of his former self, and this needs to change.
Kenedy needs a chance at redemption
The winger missed the FA Cup clash with Blackburn due to a toe injury, but has trained ahead of the game against Cardiff.
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While he shouldn’t start the game, Kenedy certainly deserves an opportunity off the bench. The 22-year-old is capable of the moments of magic that have been missing at Newcastle, but he’s had no confidence since that afternoon in Wales.
A lot of fans wanted to see him signed permanently after his efforts last season, but this time out there’s been talk of sending him back to Chelsea.
With limited options at the club, we should keep Kenedy and give him the chance to re-find his form. This has to start against Cardiff.
If he can produce some magic against the Bluebirds, it will help him rewrite the wrongs of earlier in the season and get back to his best.
But if we get a penalty, maybe just let Matt Ritchie take it…