OPINION
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez must opt to start playing Matt Ritchie in the number 10 position as the midfielder is the missing piece in the Spaniard’s current jigsaw.
The Magpies have been lacking a player capable of excelling when played just behind the striker, and it’s all the club need to change their fortunes around for the better.
Ritchie played as a number 10 during the Magpies’ mid-season friendly against Antwerp and scored while playing in that position.
The 28-year-old commented that he was happy to play anywhere, even though he insisted that he still sees his position as being on the wing.
“I really enjoyed playing the No 10 role for the first time when we played Antwerp,” said Ritchie, as quoted by the Chronicle.
“Most of the time I have been playing out wide and really enjoy it. I will play anywhere on the pitch but my position is a wideman, either left or right.
“The last few years I have played more on the right and enjoyed it.”
It was also shocking to hear that it was his first time playing as a number 10, as the midfielder looked like a natural fit for that position during his side’s recent friendly.
Ritchie has put in some decent displays while playing on the flanks in the 30 appearances he has made for the Magpies this season.
However after seeing him comfortably perform as a number 10, it seems obvious that he would have more than his current two goals and six assists if he was utilised in a central position.
The 28-year-old has a ridiculously good workrate and has the creative vision needed in order to be one of the best number 10s in the Premier League.
Therefore, Ritchie switching positions could see him be the game changing final puzzle piece needed in order to complete Benitez’s jigsaw at St James’ Park this season.