PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Christian Atsu - Ghana winger to tear into Burnley tonight

by Graeme Jackson

Monday Oct 30, 2017. 16:00

Christian Atsu will have the chance to tear into Burnley’s defence when Newcastle United head to Turf Moor for a Premier League clash tonight.

The Ghanaian winger has appeared in all nine of the Magpies’ league matches thus far in the 2017/18 season and has played a key role in their strong start to the campaign.

With one goal and two assists, there is still room for Atsu to improve in the final third of the field, but his effort and endeavour have won over United’s fans.

The former Chelsea man has also had his place as a regular starter defended by manager Rafa Benitez.

The Spaniard has been asked why he has opted to field Atsu ahead of Jacob Murphy - a more expensive signing.

“You can use the money [the fee for Murphy] as an excuse for anything but Matt Ritchie and Christian Atsu also cost us money," Benitez told the Chronicle.

“The main thing is not the money. We signed a player for four or five years - who is a young player - who needed Premier League experience.

“He is getting better. In every training session, there is improvement from him and he is working hard trying to get better.

“I am really pleased with everything. I think he will be a good player for us during the season and also in the future. He is still a young player,” he added.

Atsu is set to start for Newcastle tonight, with the match at Turf Moor set to kick-off at 22h00 CAT.