Social media is a hub for fan engagement and in the heat of the moment, it is very easy to launch a scathing verbal attack on a player that has not performed well on the pitch.

Ayoze Perez has been targeted numerous times by Newcastle United supporters on Twitter, and his display against Crystal Palace was scrutinised in particular.

The 24-year-old has been handed the number 10 role this season, to play just behind striker Joselu, who signed for the Magpies from Stoke City in the summer.

Last season, Perez contributed with six assists and scored nine goals in 36 appearances in the Championship, 25 of which were starts.

Nine games into the Premier League campaign and the Spaniard has found the back of the net once and created a single assist.

Last weekend, Newcastle sealed a 1-0 victory over Palace at St James’ Park, and Perez managed just 66 minutes before he was substituted.

Benitez has spoken about the attack-minded player, and in particular the abuse that the former Tenerife player has received on social media.

The Chronicle quotes the manager as saying:

“I can read the comments and some people say this or that. He’s doing well. He’s a clever player. He has good movement. He didn’t play well the other day. He knows. We know. He had two or three situations where he could do better, and he was wrong. Still, he’s doing a great job, and the understanding between him and Joselu and the midfielders and the rest of the team is quite good.”

https://video.footballfancast.com/video-2015/fm90sc-newcastle95.mp4