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Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, Steve Bruce has revealed Christian Atsu’s start to the season has been excellent.
What did he say?
The 27-year-old made 32 appearances last year for Newcastle, but had his pre-season disrupted this summer due to his involvement with Ghana in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The midfielder suffered a hamstring injury during the competition, and his introduction against Tottenham earlier this season was his first competitive appearance since suffering the setback. Now, Bruce has hailed Atsu’s display against Spurs, and opened up on how he surprised everyone with his ability in training.
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He said: “I was delighted with him and I hadn’t seen him train until last week and, all of a sudden, in training, we’re thinking, ‘Wow, he’s a bit different to what we’ve got’ and he pleasantly surprised us.
“And then, of course, he took his training sessions into the game on Sunday and when we’re all disappointed with Allan coming off, I thought he was terrific in his attitude to stay on the ball, to work with it and he did very, very well.”
Game-changer
Standing at 5 foot 5, Atsu doesn’t have the biggest physical presence on the pitch. But his performances for the Magpies this season speaks of someone who is willing to stand up and be counted. In 155 minutes of Premier League action, the Ghana international has picked up an assist and averaged three key passes per game.
Add to that his 2.5 dribbles per game, and it is clear to see why Bruce thinks so highly of the 27-year-old.
Against Spurs in particular, Atsu bought into the game-plan well, offering the Magpies an attacking outlet with his powerful running, and providing some defensive protection too.
Under Rafa Benitez last season, the Ghanaian was used across five different positions, and that lack of continuity contributed to him managing just one goal and no assists in 32 games – a truly shocking contribution in front of goal.
Despite it being early days, Bruce has persisted with Atsu on the left-flank and it has worked out well. If he can continue to feature prominently under the Newcastle boss, then he has every chance of establishing himself as an influential player for the Tyneside club.
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