Rafa Benitez has insisted that Christian Atsu will get his chances for Newcastle United this season.
The Ghanian winger was the last of Newcastle’s 12 summer recruits to come through the door this summer, and looks to add some much needed width and pace to United’s frontline.
However there have been some concerns that Atsu may not feature too heavily for Benitez’s side, after only managing cameo appearances against QPR and Wolves since arriving on deadline day.
Atsu had disappointing loan spells with Everton and Bournemouth over the last couple of years, hinting that the Chelsea loanee may not be up to the physical demands of English football.
The 24-year-old was an unused substitute during Saturday’s draw with Aston Villa, but Newcastle manager Benitez told the Chronicle it was simply for tactical reasons, and that Atsu will get his chance for Newcastle.
It depends on the games,
I thought he could have been an option (against Villa) but they were throwing so many balls in the air we need to have strength in the air.
He’s a good player. We brought him here because we know 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 for the first 10 days of his Newcastle career, we have not had much time with him but I am really pleased with him.
Atsu, who Newcastle have an option to buy permanently from Chelsea next summer, could come into the side for Newcastle’s huge clash with table-toppers Norwich on Wednesday night.
Atsu’s pace could prove a good option against a strong Norwich side that will look to attack Newcastle more than previous visitors to St. James’ Park have done so.
You never know. He could make the difference in games on the counter attack,
I am really pleased with him, he’s training well and working hard and I am sure he will give us good games.
