Matty Bondswell is Newcastle United's man of the moment after their week in Portugal - or at least that is the view of the main dressing room influencers behind the scenes.
The 20-year-old left-sided player had praise heaped on him from head coach Eddie Howe and senior players Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn on Tuesday night after the 3-2 defeat against Benfica. Burn actually made a point of making sure Bondswell was name checked in his post-game media duties in the mixed zone at Estadio da Luz.
Bondswell was actually called up from the Under-21 squad after Howe insisted he was on the plane for Lisbon last week. The former RB Leipzig full-back featured against Burnley and Benfica on the trip and justified his selection.
Speaking about his time in Portugal, Bondswell told Chronicle Live of his call up and said: "I was with the Under-21s in Spain and I am thankful to have the opportunity to showcase myself. I hope I have done myself justice."
His introduction against Champions League outfit Benfica was a far cry from his time at Shrewsbury Town last season when Steve Cotterill completely overlooked. It was a situation which led to Eddie Howe recalling the full-back.
Looking back on the stint with the Shrews, Bondswell said: "I'd say from the Shrewsbury experience, I learned a lot from it. I learned about myself about what it takes to get into first-team football and what it take to break into a starting X1.
"Nobody guaranteed a place in any eleven. It doesn't matter whether you are the best player in the world or an up and coming youngster. I have definitely learned a lot and I'd say I am in a much better position now than I was when I was sent to Shrewsbury."
The defender says that Howe's faith in him has not only boosted his morale but gave him the belief he can push on and get more game-time under his belt with the seniors, potentially starting with Atalanta and Athletic Bilbao this weekend.
Bondswell added: "Definitely. Any player who is asked to play in front of that many fans like at Benfica it shows they are confident in you and it gives you more self-belief.
"I am really happy that they gave me the opportunity and I just want to help every day. And I want to learn from him everyday and the other players around me."
Bondswell also gave an indication of Howe's meticulous planning behind the scenes. The full-back wasn't certain if he'd play up until the night of the match in Lisbon but Howe made sure he was prepared either way.
Bondswell said: "It was really good fun and I enjoyed it a lot. The boys made it very easy for me with the communication and stuff like that, it was a great experience for me.
"We prepared throughout the week and even though we had a session before the game. I knew what I would have to do whether I played or not. I didn't know what the plan was going to be exactly but I was ready for anything due to the preparation. Thankfully I got my opportunity."
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