Atsu striving for more consistency

CHRISTIAN Atsu is working hard on becoming a more consistent player for Newcastle United after quickly establishing himself as a favourite of Steve Bruce.

The Ghana international picked up an injury at the Africa Cup of Nations in July and only returned to training a few days before Newcastle’s trip to Spurs last month.

After Allan Saint-Maximin hobbled off with a hamstring injury in North London, Atsu was thrown on from the bench and set up Joelinton’s winning goal just 10 minutes after entering the fray.

Having played through cramp in his first appearance for club and country in 57 days, Bruce paid tribute to Atsu’s ‘heroic’ performance post-match.

Atsu notched another assist in the 3-1 defeat against Liverpool last time out and having failed to create a single goal last season, the 27-year-old is focused on building on a good start to the campaign.

“I’m very happy that I’m playing and starting games. What’s important is that I need to keep focused and then try to help my team, to assist and also to win some games for the team. This comes with consistency,” he said.

“I didn’t do pre-season. I went to the AFCON and in the second game I got injured. I had to just focus on the injury and when I came back, I felt much better and also my knee [felt better] from the surgery that I had.

“This game is behind me. I’m just going to focus and work hard and make sure that this season, I believe, I’m going to be consistent.”

Off the ball, former Chelsea winger Atsu has relished the responsibility of pressing opposition defenders higher up the pitch in a slightly more advanced role in Bruce’s 3-4-2-1 formation.

Bruce originally started the season with a 3-5-2 system but tweaked it for the visit of Spurs and has stuck with Miguel Almiron and Atsu in support of centreforward Joelinton ever since.

“I’m very happy. He gives us a lot of freedom,” Atsu added.

“I’m very happy with the system that we’re playing. “I need to keep going and help the team.”