OPINION
Newcastle United winger Matt Ritchie has seen his form fall off a cliff recently, but the arrival of centre-forward Islam Slimani on loan could help spark a revival in his form.
The 28-year-old has suffered a mixed campaign following the Magpies’ return to the top flight and certainly doesn’t look the same goal threat compared to last year.
He has managed six assists in 26 games for the North-East club this campaign, but was last involved in a goal back in November and has even lost his place in the starting XI recently.
Ritchie is a talented left-footed winger that can be a talisman for the team when on form and having a new target man in attack to pick out should see him back to his best.
The Scotland international is also yet to score this season and will be keen to end that drought.
Slimani has arrived on loan at St James’ Park until the end of the season from Leicester City and on paper looks an inspired signing.
Rafael Benitez was clearly not given a major budget in the January window to strengthen his squad, but managed to address a key area of the pitch and bring in a proven goalscorer, despite it only being on loan.
The Algeria international was not getting enough minutes at the King Power Stadium, but still managed five goals in 17 games this season.
He previously showed in the Portugal that he is a clinical goalscorer, with 57 goals in 11 games for Sporting Lisbon.
Slimani’s greatest strength is his quality in the air and that is something that Ritchie should be looking to tap into.
Ritchie has shown in the past he can offer great crosses from wide areas and this could be a partnership that develops if they play together.