Rafael Benitez says that Federico Fernandez's performance against Chelsea justified his late arrival on St James Park.

The defender was bought on the transfer window deadline day for £6m.

And the Newcastle United manager believes his man-of-the-match display in a 2-1 loss on Sunday proves how important he'll be for the Magpies.

"It's confirmation of what I say, that sometimes you need players with experience, in this case experience in the Premier League, to help the players around to be better players," the Spaniard said.

"They had some chances in the second half when they changed and when we were more open, but you have to give credit to him and to the rest of the players."