Rafa Benitez's diligence in transfer market is paying dividends on the pitch at Newcastle

Benitez’s side take on Leeds United at a sold-out Elland Road on Sunday.

The club is looking to extend a remarkable eight-game winning streak which has taken it to the top of the Championship and into the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup.

Benitez recruited 12 players in the summer as he looked to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion in the wake of last season’s relegation.

United’s manager was particularly keen to add players with Championship experience to his playing staff.

And goalkeeper Darlow feels Benitez has got a good “balance” at Newcastle.

“One thing he did was recruit very, very well,” said Darlow, who had previously played in the Championship with former club Nottingham Forest.

“There’s a lot of quality in this team with a lot of experience at the same time, and knowing this league, we’ll need all of that.

“It’s a long, hard grind. If we want to achieve anything from it, we’ll need to be consistent throughout it.

“Hopefully, we’ve got the right balance.”

Newcastle lead second-placed Brighton and Hove Albion – who entertain Aston Villa at the Amex Stadium tonight – by three points.