OPINION
Newcastle United signing Miguel Almiron redeemed himself with an impressive display against Leicester on Saturday, something which the fans had been hoping to see after a slow start to life on Tyneside.
One player who has been left behind at this expense though is Christian Atsu. He came on late to replace the Paraguayan playmaker, and it is safe to say that he did not ruin things for the Magpies.
Atsu can often be a scapegoat for the Newcastle fans, who will sometimes look for anything to criticise him about. However, you can often see where they are coming from, as Atsu is hardly the most talented player that Rafa Benitez has at his disposal.
Nevertheless, the manager should give him the chance to shine against Southampton next Saturday, especially with the club’s Premier League status all but secure after their win on Friday. United have nothing to lose, so Benitez can afford to take a risk and start him.
The 27-year-old can sometimes spring a surprise and blow people away. Sometimes, he can make the fans wish that he had never set foot at St James’ Park. With Almiron now in the picture though, he is going to move further down the pecking order.
Southampton still have a lot to play for with the threat of relegation looming, however, if Atsu wants to force his way back into Benitez’ first team plans, then next weekend may just be the perfect way to do that.
He will no doubt start to ponder about his future at the club if he continues being snubbed for Newcastle’s record signing, and to be honest, you would not really blame him. The winger keeps getting used as a substitute, something he will soon grow tired of.
That being said, Benitez must take a bold risk and give him the chance to impress next weekend, as who knows – Atsu may surprise him.
