Christian Atsu failed at Chelsea, Everton and Bournemouth – but is finally showing his Premier League quality at Newcastle United.
Fourth time lucky for Christian Atsu. Barely given a chance at Chelsea and struggling to make an impact during loan spells at Everton and Bournemouth, the Ghanaian winger is finally showing his Premier League quality in the colours of Newcastle United.
Earning a permanent move to Tyneside this summer after an impressive 2016/17 campaign, Atsu was a useful squad player as Newcastle secured an immediate return to the Premier League last season.
However, despite the big-money signing of England Under-21 star Jacob Murphy from Norwich City, the former Porto winger looks to have nailed down a place on the left hand side of attack thanks to an excellent run of form in the opening weeks of the season.
He was Newcastle’s most lively performer in the opening day defeat to Tottenham and set up a goal in the 3-0 battering of West Ham late last month.
But his first ever Premier League goal was worth the wait as Atsu slotted home the opener as The Magpies made it three wins on the bounce against Stoke City on Saturday.
Newcastle’s decision to hand Atsu a permanent contract certainly divided supporters. The 25-year-old was as exciting as he was erratic in the Championship and had done little to suggest he could step up to the Premier League.
However, Benitez saw something Roberto Martinez, Eddie Howe and numerous Chelsea managers between 2013 and 2017 did not.
And his faith in Atsu is being rewarded with increasingly effective performances from a man who looked to have run out of opportunities to prove his worth in England’s top flight.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
