OPINION
Matt Ritchie probably doesn’t get the credit he deserves. The Newcastle United ace is well-thought of Tyneside, and you would be hard pushed to find a fan who didn’t speak highly of him, but he still seems to slip under the radar most of the time.
The reason for that is probably due to the lack of fuss that surrounds his work. The Scottish international isn’t one for flash boots or eye-catching tricks, but he still commands the wing on a way that deserves so much more praise than he gets.
His performance against CSKA Moscow on Saturday afternoon was a fine example of this. Ritchie was a livewire throughout, putting in a high intensity lesson in harrying and direct attacking play that will have certainly reminded Rafa Benitez of just who effective the wide man can be.
That is not doubt going to be important for the Toon Army’s survival hopes. You would assume that Salomon Rondon is nailed on for a starting spot for the rest of the season, provided he stays fit, and behind him new signings Miguel Almiron will also be a shoe in on the basis of the few glimpses Toon fans have had of him.
Out wide, things are a little different, however. Kenedy, Christian Atsu, Ritchie,and probably even Ayoze Perez will be jostling for a starting spot, and while you would assume that Ritchie will have the edge on his teammates, nothing is certain.
It should be though. Ritchie is a willing worker capable of delivering a wicked cross, and his qualities, usually unsung and imperceptible, could be a vital weapon in the fight for survival.
