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Newcastle United 2019-20 player preview: Christian Atsu

By Carson A Merk

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 04: Christian Atsu of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St. James Park on May 04, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 04: Christian Atsu of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St. James Park on May 04, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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The speedy winger will look to make a bigger impact on the stat sheet with Newcastle United this season.

In the past two transfer windows, Newcastle United a dangerous winger/midfielder, first Miguel Almiron then Allan Saint-Maximin. Those additions have placed Christian Atsu a bit lower on the depth chart, definitely occupying a substitute role. We look at how the 2019-20 season could go for the Ghanaian.

By the Numbers

Age: 27

Contract runs until: June 2021

2018-19 EPL stats: 28 appearances, 14 shots on target, one goal

2019-20 Outlook

With little production in goals or assists, it seems Atsu is much better served to play as a super sub. He has good pace and skill on the ball, but too often last season, his decision making or execution in the final third left fans and teammates wanting more.

There’s nothing to indicate he will be a part of the first-choice starting lineup without an injury on the wing. Despite that, he could be a key player for the club’s success. When the opponents are getting tired, he could score some crucial goals when the Magpies really need one.

NUFC finish the preseason with a 2-1 win. dark. Next

Expert Predictions

Durim Halimi: Atsu will only make 15 appearances

Rafa Benitez valued Christian Atsu, but Steve Bruce will most likely turn to Rolando Aarons as his primary backup winger. The arrival of Allan Saint-Maximin and the consistency of Matt Ritchie will keep Atsu on the bench more often than he has been used to on Tyneside. Atsu has the pace and technical skills to have an impact, but his lack of precision in front of goal has been an issue over the last two seasons.

Carson A. Merk: Atsu will score at least three goals this season. 

I don’t expect Christian Atsu to become a top goalscorer for the club, but I do expect him to triple his lowly one goal from a year ago. He will get some chances on the counter-attack and I think he will be a little more aggressive this season in goalscoring areas.