Newcastle United defender Javi Manquillo is delighted with his season form.

Manquillo flopped at Sunderland, but has so far impressed with the Toon.

"There is a big Spanish influence here and that certainly helps me," said Manquillo.

“The coach of course, trainers and some of my team-mates. That makes life so much easier for me.

“It benefits in many ways. For example, when we are doing drills, I know exactly what do to because it is explained so well.

“It has really helped me settle in well."

Meanwhile, Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez has hailed the influence of Matt Ritchie inside the club.

“It's not fair on the others [to call him my most important Newcastle signing]," Benitez said of Ritchie.

“Is he a key player for us? Yes. Was he a very important player for us last season? Yes, for sure.

“We were promoted and he was a player who made the difference in a lot of games.

“The question with Ritchie is that he is so dynamic, he catches your eye quickly because he is everywhere. I like this kind of player because they are more positive and they are an example for the others."