Wing-back run is all just part of life’s Ritch tapestry
SCOTLAND STAR IS ENJOYING TIME IN DEFENSIVE ROLE
MATT Ritchie admits he had to ‘learn on the job’ but is ‘loving’ playing as a left-wing-back for the Magpies.
Over an 11-year professional career, Ritchie has plied his trade as a winger during spells at Portsmouth, Dagenham and Redbridge, Notts County, Swindon, Bournemouth, Newcastle as well as with the Scotland national team.
But midway through this season, Rafa Benitez decided to revert to a five-man defence with two wing-backs and Ritchie was asked to perform the role of leftwing-back.
It was a role the 29-year-old was not familiar with but after initial teething problems, it is a role he has excelled in.
And he now feels he is a better player in his new position.
“I’ve got to be honest, I’m loving it,” Ritchie said.
“I feel like I get in better areas higher up the pitch with the ball. I’d say that one of my biggest strengths is my delivery, and I get in positions now to cross the ball.
“I feel like, defensively, I had to learn on the job a little bit. I made a few mistakes, small errors, which you get punished for in this league.
“I didn’t get tight enough at Watford. I came away from that game learning. I learnt on the job. The Man City game gave me great confidence defensively. “I came away from those games learning and becoming a better player. I’ve certainly really enjoyed playing left wing-back. “The way we play, the lads in the middle are spraying the ball out wide. I think we’ve worked a lot on switching the play, and the wing-backs in this system are so important.”
One of the Scottish international’s biggest qualities is his delivery from wide areas.
In Salomon Rondon, Newcastle have a strong aerial presence up front and the Magpies ace is enjoying having a target-man to aim at.
“It’s lovely. It’s one of those things things,” Ritchie added.
“You play with players at different clubs and different systems, but Ronny suits me down to the ground.
“I know that when I get the ball, that if I hit a good area, Ronny, more often than not, will be there.
“Whether he wins the first ball or second ball, he’s always a problem.
“It’s really enjoyable. I feel like I enjoy being on the ball, having the ball, and I feel like I’m getting more touches than I did when I was playing a little higher up the pitch.
“As I’ve said before, as long as I’m playing, I’ll be happy. I’ll play anywhere.”