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Benitez Full Of Praise For Anita
Written by Newcastle Utd
Rafa Benitez has joked that he may try 5ft 5ins Vurnon Anita out as a targetman, such is the Dutchman's versatility
By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor
Rafa Benitez hailed Vurnon Anita's versatility after the Dutchman scored against Southend on Tuesday night.
The 27-year-old, who has three caps for the Netherlands, is likely to feature against Eredivisie side Vitesse Arnhem in Newcastle's final friendly of the summer on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
But where he will play remains to be seen after he excelled in a right-sided attacking role at Roots Hall, having performed admirably as a left-back for most of United's pre-season campaign.
Anita's main position, of course, is in central midfield but, with a long Sky Bet Championship campaign ahead, Benitez is delighted to have at his disposal a man able to cover so many roles.
"He's a player that can play almost in every position," the manager told nufcTV when asked about the 5ft 5ins former Ajax ace.
"I don't know if he can play as a striker, maybe as a target man - but we will try maybe one day!
"He's very clever tactically; he can play on the right, he can play as a full-back, as a winger, as a left full-back and as a midfielder.
"He's intelligent tactically and that is good."
On Tuesday, Anita broke up a Southend attack, advanced towards goal and let fly with a fine effort which left goalkeeper Mark Oxley helpless.
And, speaking about his more advanced role, he told nufcTV: "It was nice. It was something different - the first time in years - but I think I did well and helped the team in that position.
"Hopefully I can score more and help the team more. It's different thinking in the game but I'm known for playing many positions and this one went well so I have to keep going, help the team and do my best.
"I'm happy that I get the minutes to play and show what I can do."
Looking ahead to Saturday's visit of Vitesse, Anita added: "It's a midtable team in Holland with some English players as well from Chelsea and other countries.
"They're a good team, they like to play football in the Dutch style, so it's going to be a good test for us.
"We play at home, at St. James', so it's up to us win the game and finish pre-season well."
You can watch the full nufcTV interviews with Rafa Benitez and Vurnon Anita here