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Newcastle United are better off with Ritchie instead of Townsend

By Durim Halimi

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Matt Ritchie of Newcastle United celebrates after he scores his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St. James Park on February 11, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Matt Ritchie of Newcastle United celebrates after he scores his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St. James Park on February 11, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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Roy Hodgson refuses to let Andros Townsend leave Crystal Palace and this is great news for Newcastle United.

Crystal Palace manager, Roy Hodgson, was adamant in a recent interview as he informed the media that Andros Townsend is not for sale. Newcastle United have been linked with Townsend for months, but the winger will not be coming to Tyneside.

For some supporters, this news might be perceived as another missed opportunity by the Magpies. For others, myself included, this is good news as it could mean that Matt Ritchie will stay put.

Ritchie has been linked to Stoke City and reportedly agreed to join the Championship side, but Rafa Benitez might have other plans. Kenedy’s arrival provides Newcastle with more talent and consistency down the left flank. However, Ritchie is a superior player when compared to Christian Atsu and Jacob Murphy on the right wing.

Ritchie to Stay?

Only one man knows the answer to this question and he is Rafa Benitez. Newcastle’s strategy was to sell Ritchie for £15 million and use that money to bring in Townsend. Now that Hodgson is locking down on his winger, the likelihood of Ritchie going to Stoke City plummets.

Ritchie had a rough start to the 2017-18 campaign, but he transformed into one of the most reliable Magpies from January through May. Ritchie made 35 appearances for Newcastle last season and he finished the season with three goals and five assists.

Are those the most impressive statistics for a midfielder? No, however, Ritchie played an integral role for the club because of his composure and lack of unforced errors. When comparing Ritchie and Townsend (two goals, seven assists), they are almost identical.

With that being said, Townsend would not have been worth breaking the club transfer record for when the Magpies already have a player of the same caliber. Moreover, the chemistry that Ritchie has developed with this team-mates is an underrated factor that makes him a better fit for the club.

If Ritchie does remain on Tyneside, he will have to build on last season’s form. Ritchie will be expected to perform with consistency and to score more goals for Newcastle. The statistics do not show it, but Ritchie can be a deadly shooter from distance. Overall, the Magpies would be wise to retain the services of the Scottish international midfielder.