The only one that seems fuming here is you mate, as people point out you're just wrong.
He installed a youth model, by sacking the academy director, gutting the youth academy and not bringing a single player through from said academy to make 50 games.
Outside of Torres and maybe Alonso (can't remember the exact fee he went for) I'm actually struggling to think of a single player he either brought through or signed that was sold for a big profit.
But no it's not Mensa, but it doesn't have to be to know what Benitez's strengths and weaknesses are.
I should say this to, the fact he doesn't build a youth model (in the way say a Rangnick does) could actually be a strength. I've been open to say I'd want a Rangnick, someone who builds sustainable youth models but clearly the owners are not massively bothered. He probably aligns quite well with what they want, and in a lot of ways with what most fans want. We are within 8 points of the CL. A smart tactical manager can probably get us there within a year or 2, however unattractively it will be done. That's his pitch and it could well play out.
He also seems to judge players in the 23-25 age bracket pretty well. As a club that seems to be where we have had most success. I hope that 's the age we/he targets. Hopefully Brands can help sort the academy out.
