Newcastle United have signed Christian Atsu on loan from Chelsea, but he is yet to make his first start for Rafael Benitez’s side.
Rafael Benitez has told the Chronicle that he is really pleased that Christian Atsu is a Newcastle United player.
Atsu has signed for Newcastle on loan from Chelsea, but he is yet to make much of an impact at St. James’ Park.
The Ghanian international has made just three appearances for the Magpies to date, and he has not yet started a match for the Tynesiders.
However, Benitez insists that Atsu will have a role to play as the season progresses.
“I think he’s a good player,” the Spanish boss said. “We brought him here because we know that he’s a good player.
“Maybe he is the type of player that needs to know the Championship and to understand the way we play.
“He went away with the national team in the first 10 days of his Newcastle career.
“We have not had much time with him but I am really pleased with him.”
Atsu has generally struggled to make an impact in English football – during his previous loan spells at both Everton and Bournemouth.
The 24-year-old does possess masses of pace, though, and his arrival has offered Newcastle a different outlet going forward.
Atsu could be given a chance to impress in Newcastle’s next match, which comes against top of the table Norwich City on Wednesday evening.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
