Atsu has shown only flashes of his talent so far during his loan spell on Tyneside.
Newcastle United star Matt Ritchie has been discussing his fellow winger Christian Atsu with the Chronicle, and has insisted that the Ghanaian has what it takes to be a key star for the Magpies this season.
Atsu moved to Tyneside on a season-long loan from Chelsea in the summer and has made nine appearances in all competitions for the Magpies this far this term.
However, only three of those appearances have been starts as the 24-year-old has struggled to hold down a regular place in Rafael Benitez’s starting XI.
He has shown flashes of his ability, such as scoring the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win over Rotherham United at the start of the month and hitting the woodwork twice int he EFL Cup thrashing of Preston in midweek.
Atsu has undoubtedly been a frustrating player for supporters to watch, but Ritchie, who has in contrast been a huge hit since arriving from Bournemouth, is confident that his teammate can prove to be a difference-maker.
Ritchie told the Chronicle: “I’ve played with Chrissy a few times. He came on loan to Bournemouth last season and he didn’t really get much a chance to be honest because we were doing so well. He’s a fantastic player – he’s only young.
“He’s been on a few loans, he went to Everton as well, and you don’t go to those kind of clubs if you haven’t got something about you. He hasn’t always played but against Preston he was fantastic – he hit the post and the bar with a couple of efforts.
“He’s quick, he’s sharp, he’s lively and he’s got a great work ethic as well. I’m sure that he’ll have a big part to play this season.”
Atsu will be keen to show his ability on a more consistent basis and prove to Benitez that he is worth Newcastle taking up the option of a permanent deal in his contract.
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