Deadline day Everton signing Salomon Rondon has revealed that Toffees manager Rafael Benitez changed his whole outlook on football.
Rondon played under Benitez at both Newcastle United, in the 2018/19 season, as well as for Chinese side Dalian Professional, for one-and-a-half years.
The signing of Rondon by Everton on deadline day means it will be the third time the striker plays under Benitez and he will be going into the season knowing that his manager has an affinity for him, having signed him three times.
Rondon stated that according to Benitez a striker’s primary concerns should be finishing as well as his movement.
The striker feels that he was a one-dimensional player before Benitez’s guidance, only looking to score goals and give assists, but the Champions League winner instilled in him the importance of off-the-ball movement, making him more well-rounded.
Speaking to Everton’s official site, Rondon said: “The manager [Benitez] taught me it is the finishing and movement that is important.
“Sometimes, I saw my job as just to score goals.
“I am a striker and want to score goals and give assists.
“But the most important thing is movement to help the team, to create space for another player, or for me, if a defender is near.
“Rafa changed the vision I have of football because the team is the most important thing for a club and the players.”
Under Benitez, across two different clubs, Rondon has made over 60 appearances, scoring 26 goals and providing 14 assists.
Rondon also won the Newcastle United Player of the Year award in the season he played under Benitez at St. James Park.
