New signings key to Magpies’ upturn as Ritchie salutes Benitez

MATT Ritchie believes Newcastle United’s January signings have proved crucial in helping the Magpies to secure their Premier League status.

Only the top-four sides have picked up a greater number of points than Newcastle in 2018. The Magpies have since gone from a relegation-threatened side to candidates for a top-10 finish.

During the mid-season window, Rafa Benitez brought in three players on loan – winger Kenedy from Chelsea, goalkeeper Martin Dubravka from Sparta Prague, as well as striker Islam Slimani from Leicester City.

Kenedy has dramatically improved the Magpies’ attack, netting twice and providing two assists, while Dubravka has kept three clean sheets and has a 100% record so far at St James’ Park. Slimani was injured for the first two months on Tyneside but his mere presence has helped raise the level of the other forwards, stresses Ritchie “There’s no better thing than bringing players in to add competition,” said Ritchie, who will hope to take on West Brom at St James’ Park tomorrow.

“It makes everyone raise their game. Whether it’s a centre-half or a winger or a striker, it doesn’t matter.

“If there’s a new player, you want respect from your peers, and it brings the levels up in training and brings the levels up on game day.

“It just adds that extra bit, and I think it’s made a big difference.”