Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez says he is happy with new loan signing Christian Atsu’s efforts on the training pitch but he revealed he has concerns on whether the Ghanaian is ready for the physicality of some matches in the Championship.
The winger has only made three substitute appearances for the Magpies since joining from Chelsea on a season long loan deal in August and Benitez told the Evening Chronicle that he was an unused substitute against Aston Villa because of his lack of physical presence:
“I thought he could have been an option but they were throwing so many balls in the air we need to have strength in the air. 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.”
It could be argued that with Villa pushing forward for an equaliser in the second half, the pace of Atsu on the counter attack could have pushed the opposition back and also allowed the Magpies to capitalise and score on the break. Whether Benitez will apply such a tactic in future matches we will have to see. The Magpies face Norwich City on Wednesday in what will be another tough encounter.
