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2017-18 Newcastle United player review: Christian Atsu

By Carson A Merk

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Newcastle player Christian Atsu in action during the Premier League match between Burnley and Newcastle United at Turf Moor on October 30, 2017 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Newcastle player Christian Atsu in action during the Premier League match between Burnley and Newcastle United at Turf Moor on October 30, 2017 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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The speedster showcased flashes of being a dangerous player for Newcastle United.

After spending 2016-17 on loan with Newcastle United, Christian Atsu had a positive season for the club last season.

2017-18 Premier League stats: 28 appearances, two goals, two assists, 35 shots

Contract runs until: June 2021

Durim Halimi

Christian Atsu is a reliable winger for Newcastle United and he is highly praised by Rafa Benitez. Injuries caused some setbacks for Atsu last season, but he played well when he was healthy. If the Magpies do not bring Kenedy back, then Atsu must definitely start opposite Matt Ritchie on the wing. Atsu is a versatile winger with good pace and scoring ability, but if Kenedy comes back then Atsu will surely come off the bench.

2018-19 outlook: Quality rotation player

Carson A. Merk

Atsu has something you can’t teach: blinding speed. He is tricky on the ball and gives defenders nightmares. Unfortunately, the end product in his game was lacking in 2017-18. With as much time as he spent flying past the opposing backline, he needed to come away with more than two goals and two assists.

Atsu will be penciled in as a starter next season unless the club brings back Kenedy.

2018-19 outlook: Surefire starter

Declan Ryan

The Ghanaian international played an important role in Newcastle’s promotion from the Championship, and Benitez was understandably happy to permanently sign the Chelsea loanee for £6.5m last May. Atsu had bounced around on loan before Newcastle secured his services, but he appeared to settle reasonably well last year before requiring knee surgery that should have him ready for next season.

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With lightning pace and the ability to play on either wing, Atsu can really impact a game off the bench when he’s able to run at tired defenders. However, he hasn’t shown enough end product to deserve a starting role, with too many wayward crosses and finishes that left him with only 2 goals and 2 assists from 28 league games last season. At only 26 years old, Atsu is a rotational player with the potential to become a starter down the road.

2018-19 outlook: Quality rotation player