Nabil Bentaleb reveals his first impressions of Newcastle United

It was complicated for Nabil Bentaleb at Schalke 04. At Newcastle United, however, it’s quite simple.
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Bentaleb, signed on loan for the rest of the season, will get a chance – and he needs to take it.

The midfielder hasn’t played since last April, having been frozen out following a training ground incident.

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“The past few months was a little bit complicated,” said the 25-year-old.

Bentaleb returns to England having “grown up” in Germany. The Algerian international said: “I improved as a player and as a man. I grew up. I left England when I was 20, 21. I come back, I’m 25. I still have a lot to learn, but I think I’ve taken some stuff into my backpack.

“I’m very happy to come back to the Premier League, especially at a club such as Newcastle. I think it’s the perfect move for me.”

Bentaleb has an idea what to expect at St James’s Park, having played there, and scored, for Tottenham Hotspur.

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“I played a few times in Newcastle,” said Bentaleb. “I know what it means to the fans, I know the stadium, I know the Premier League. I was happy to come back to the UK and Newcastle.

Loan signing Nabil Bentaleb.Loan signing Nabil Bentaleb.
Loan signing Nabil Bentaleb.

“I’m willing to give 200% on the pitch. I know what it means. I know it’s a club full of passion, full of heart. I’m going to give everything on the pitch for the team.”

Bentaleb believes he’s suited to Premier League football. He said: “My style of play is English. I feel at home here.”

On his strengths, Bentaleb added: “Whatever it takes to help the team. I can adapt. I can be tough defensively and create plays offensively. Whatever the coach wants from me, I’m willing to do to help the team”

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Bentaleb saw what is required at Newcastle at the weekend, when a 94th-minute goal from Isaac Hayden gave the team a 1-0 win over Chelsea.

“They showed what the passion was in the club, the desire,” Bentaleb told NUFC TV. “You can see great team spirit. They didn’t give up, they defended like dogs and they got the three points this is a mentality I like. I like this type of brotherhood.”