Ritchie on the rise
Newcastle’s ‘Mr Consistent’ in the Championship last season has rediscovered his form at just the right time with back-to-back goals in last two home games and an assist away at Bournemouth. Ritchie started the season in a productive vein, setting up three goals in two games, but suffered a drastic dip in his performance levels during the winter that resulted in the winger losing his place in Benitez’s starting XI and having doubt cast on whether he was cut out for the top-flight.
Fortunately, the 28-year-old has managed to recover his form in 2018 and become a mainstay on the right-wing, combining his selfless work ethic and endeavour with a more clinical cutting edge in front of goal. And with Ritchie in his current mood, you can bet he will be hoping to make it a hat-trick of home goals against Huddersfield next week.
His fabulous lobbed finish against Antwerp was a demonstration of a player with renewed confidence.
