Last season, Newcastle United seemingly appeared to be a side which was afraid of presenting themselves up to the animosity which the English top flight had on offer. Almost the entire unit failed, were ominous, naive and archaic to say the least and lacked the requisite desire to perform at the top.
They got themselves demoted and quite rightly so. With Rafael Benitez at the helm, hopes for an immediate return back to the promised land of the Premier League did linger, and the Spaniard didn’t disappoint. The championship is far from being over, but a ticket for an automatic promotion spot to the cash-rich Premier League has cultivated jovial scenes in and around St. James’ Park.
In fact, the Magpies are now right amidst the scheme of things to clinch the Sky Bet Championship silverware, particularly after they registered a commendable 2-0 away win against Cardiff City which was followed by Brighton & Hove Albion’s home defeat at the hands of Bristol City. In whose stride the title would incline is yet to be decided but nonetheless, it has been relishing seeing the Magpies striving for the best in the second division.
The summer transfer window shall hold the key to the manner in which the black and white crops would perform in the upcoming season and the former Real Madrid boss would need to register some shrewd deals, and has to have a go to extend Christian Atsu’s tenure at Newcastle United.
Having brought on loan from Chelsea in the summer of 2016, Atsu’s deal at St. James’ Park expires in the summer and having really impressed whilst his time with the Magpies, they should be keen to land him, maybe on a permanent basis, in the summer and Benitez hasn’t ruled out a move.
Having found his name on the scoresheet against the Bluebirds, Atsu has banged 5 goals and registered 3 assists in the Championship so far for Newcastle United. An attacking midfielder who could ply his trade on either wing, the 25-year-old has played a vital role in his current employers’ promotion push. A player whose energy, pace and athleticism is simply exemplary, Atsu’s technical abilities break apart even the resolute defences.
He is a reliable player who passes the ball around meticulously and gels well with his teammates in the final third. The Toons would need the services of the Ghana international and after what he has delivered this term, Benitez must be eyeing to get the deal done very quickly once the curtains of the summer transfer window get lifted.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
