Matt Ritchie has hailed Newcastle team-mate Yoan Gouffran.
Newcastle United’s Matt Ritchie celebrates
Newcastle United winger Matt Ritchie has hailed team-mate and fellow wide man Yoan Gouffran in an interview with the club’s official website.
The Magpies bounced back from last weekend’s 2-0 home defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers by beating the same side 2-0 in the EFL Cup on Tuesday evening.
Newcastle United’s Yoan Gouffran celebrates
Newcastle hit their two goals in just three minutes as Matt Ritchie and Yoan Gouffran found the net, with Gouffran’s goal – a superb volley into the top corner of the night from a Ritchie cross – a particular highlight.
Whilst Ritchie was expected to be a key player following his summer move from Bournemouth, but the performances of Gouffran have been a major surprise.
The French wide man, 30, has been a major disappointment for Newcastle since his 2013 move from Bordeaux, and he played just eight Premier League games last season.
Newcastle United’s Yoan Gouffran
Gouffran has notched one goal and one assist in the Championship so far, with his strike against Derby – another stunning volley – catching the eye.
After Tuesday’s win, Ritchie was asked about Gouffran’s goal, and he told the Newcastle official website that he felt it was even better than the screamer he scored against Derby earlier this month.
Newcastle United’s Jonjo Shelvey celebrates with Matt Ritchie
Ritchie added that everyone knows that Gouffran has been ‘fantastic’ this season, and hopes it continues as the Frenchman finally looks to prove why Newcastle signed him more than three-and-a-half years ago.
“What a strike,” said Ritchie. “It was a fantastic strike against Derby and again (on Tuesday) – I think it was probably better. Everyone knows Gouff’s been fantastic so far this season and long may it continue,” he added.
What have you thought of Gouffran’s performances this season?
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