OPINION
Newcastle United midfielder Matt Ritchie should take confidence from his first goal of the season recently and could become a catalyst for his side in the fight against Premier League relegation.
The 28-year-old winger has endured a mixed season and has come in for criticisms at times from supporters over his performances.
However, he starred in the last game against Manchester United as he opened his goalscoring account for the season in an impressive 1-0 win.
The Scotland international has shown in the past he has the quality to produce in the top flight and is highly rated at St James’ Park after playing a big role in promotion from the Championship last season.
He scored 16 goals and supplied 10 assists last campaign across all competitions as he became a key figure in Rafael Benitez’s team.
Ritchie should take big confidence from his heroics against Man United and has the ability to act as a catalyst in the final months of the season.
The right-winger has one goal and six assists this season, but the Newcastle ace can certainly up those statistics in the final 11 league games of the season.
Newcastle are just two points above the drop zone as it stands and will need several more wins to avoid relegation.
Ritchie can be a key player if he discovers his confidence and can be a lethal attacking threat when he is given licence to go forward.
The wide man should also thrive off the loan arrival of centre-forward Islam Slimani, who will thrive off whipped crosses into the penalty area.
Newcastle fans often get on Ritchie’s back because they know he has the quality in his locker and he could guide the club to Premier League safety if he plays at his best.