After being reinstated to the starting eleven since returning from injury and of course the much publicized training ground bust up with Steve Bruce, Matt Ritchie has played a major part in Newcastle earning four points from their last two league fixtures.
The point earned against Spurs over the Easter Weekend was the game where Ritchie really showcased what he was about. Not the most technically gifted player within the ranks, but he's a character that arguably is irreplaceable when it comes to work effort and leadership. He never stopped running on that left hand side and tracked Lucas Moura and Erik Lamela throughout the ninety minutes. Not a defender by trade but he knows the game and will always commit to a challenge and never shy's away no matter who the opponent is. He displayed a similar performance against Burnley where although the first half we struggled, himself and others in that back five became a unit and defended diligently. Without Jamal Lascelles's voice in the next few weeks we need a figure who can replicate the command and passion that is set, and what has been a driver over the last few years to keep us in the division.
What he gives us is something us fans and what most football fans want, which is honesty. He signed for Newcastle United back in 2016 and has been worth every penny ever since. A consistent figure in Newcastle's starting eleven for the majority of his time in the North-East, Ritchie was a huge reason why we've avoided relegation and cemented mid-table places since returning to the Premier League in 2017. Going forward with assists and goals is something he does contribute, but since moving into a left back / wing back position he's never looked uncomfortable and no complaints have been made by the Scottish international.
There is no doubt going into these next seven games we will need to show our resilient side to our performances. Ritchie brings this in abundance along with a final product that could earn us a few points. Although I've questioned Steve Bruce's tactics and personnel choice for the majority of games this season, bringing Matt Ritchie back into the fold was a good decision and one that has slight irony to it after everything that has happened.
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