One goal, three chances created, 100% dribbles completed: Atsu stakes claim

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The Ghanaian scored Newcastle’s winner against Rotherham, giving Benitez all three points.

Christian Atsu made his first Newcastle United start against Rotherham on Saturday, and it is fair to say that the 24-year-old made a big impression.

The winger replaced star man Matt Ritchie in Rafael Benitez’s starting XI, with many fans questioning why their manager had rested one of their top players before the game.

However, after the match there were no qualms about Benitez’s decision, with Atsu putting in a performance that excited every Newcastle fan, capping it off with the winning goal.

Atsu’s goal was a sensational strike, bending the ball into the far left corner after jinking his way into the box, but that was not the only part of his performance that caught the eye.

Despite only playing 67 minutes, being replaced by Ritchie midway through the second half, the Chelsea loanee made a big impression down the right flank.

Atsu could have scored more than once, having three shots on goal, coming very close to grabbing a second, with only a strong hand from Rotherham goalkeeper Lee Camp keeping the score at 1-0.

As well as being a threat in front of goal himself, the attacker created three chances for his teammates.

Atsu’s dribbling ability is one of his best assets, and the Ghana international completed 100% of his attempted dribbles against Rotherham, proving to be quite the nuisance for the home side’s defence.

The number 30 got on the ball 38 times, not the highest for a Newcastle player by any means, but his use of the ball stood him apart from the rest.

Atsu’s performance showed how important a player he could be for the Magpies this season, and he certainly staked a claim to be a part of the starting XI more often.