"Ayala is young and it was more or less his first official game. He was a little bit nervous but in the end he was very good. He has to work, have more games and experience," said Rafael Benitez.
"I thought he did very well. It's very difficult for a young player to come in especially at home on the first home match of the season. The first few games are never easy but he did a great job in defence," agreed Yossi Benayoun.
"He was first to every ball in the air and he can only get better. With time I am sure he will get better and better."