Jamie Carragher heaped praise on Newcastle United midfielder Matt Ritchie for his display in the 1-0 win over Leicester City.
The Sky Sports pundit was in awe of how the 29-year-old was excelling as a left-wing back after years of playing on the rink flank, and revealed his assist for Ayoze Perez’s opening goal showcased the quality he has in abundance.
Carragher noted that Ritchie had proven to be a fantastic signing for the Magpies and highlighted that when he joined the club in the Championship, he was the best player in England’s second-tier upon arriving.
“The role of Matt Ritchie in that goal…I mean what a signing he has been for Newcastle,” said Carragher while on commentator during Newcastle’s clash with Leicester (Sky Sports Premier League, Friday April 12th, 20:34).
“They signed him when they were in the Championship, he was the best player in the Championship that year when Newcastle came up.
“This is a man who played right wing for Bournemouth and now a left-wing back, so the discipline the lad has got and he has always just shown the quality he has in abundance.
“Got a goal away at Bournemouth and now an assist against Leicester.”
OPINION
Ritchie is a hard-working member of Rafa Benitez’s squad and you often don’t hear high-profile pundits rave about the player’s ability. This isn’t because they’re aren’t aware of Ritchie’s talents but he is just not the sort of player who steals the headlines. Ritchie quietly gets on with his job and adapts to whatever role Benitez wants him to play in. While the 29-year-old may not be making the back pages on a regular basis, Newcastle fans are no doubt aware of what he brings to the team. Ritchie’s crossing ability, threat from set-pieces and his never say die attitude serve the Magpies well and it’s hard to imagine him not being at St James Park anytime soon. The 29-year-old has registered six assists, as well as having scored two goals, in his 35 outings and you feel those numbers only seem more impressive, when you consider all the defensive work he does for the team as well.
