Hats off to United’s top man Matt
NUFC writer MATT RITCHIE’S current form will come as no surprise to Newcastle United fans - but supporters of other Premier League sides are finally starting to take notice of the winger’s talents.
Four assists in five Premier League appearances – only Manchester United’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan has provided more so far this term – shows just how well the 28-year-old has started this season.
In fact, just two of Newcastle’s six top-flight goals have not involved the Scotland international, who will be determined to open his own account as quickly as possible.
Of course, Ritchie’s ability has been lauded on Tyneside ever since his arrival last summer.
Fans sing about the winger’s “magic hat” – he donned a top hat in a nod to the chant when he walked out to receive his Championship-winning medal last May – while Ritchie is the first name on Rafa Benitez’s teamsheet.
The Spaniard personally intervened to convince managing-director Lee Charnley to meet AFC Bournemouth’s £12m asking price for Ritchie in July 2016 when the Magpies had initially only wanted to pay £10m, so convinced was Benitez that Ritchie was a Premier Leaguequality player already.
After 12 goals and seven assists in the second tier last season, Ritchie is finally translating that imperious form into the top flight.
He showed glimpses of what he was capable of in the Premier League with Bournemouth but it is now some of Newcastle’s top-flight rivals who are casting envious glances in Ritchie’s direction, wishing they had the winger in their ranks.