Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez explains what his plans are for new signing

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has stated that he intends to use new signing Christian Atsu on a more regular basis during the upcoming weeks.

Newcastle United signed Christian Atsu from Chelsea on a season long loan deal this summer and the attacker would most certainly have viewed the move as an opportunity to revive his career following disappointing spells at Everton and Bournemouth.

Since his arrival though, Atsu has earned limited playing time on the pitch after featuring in only 56 minutes of action this season and the winger was an unused substitute during Newcastle’s 1-1 draw against Aston Villa at Villa Park during the weekend.

Following the game, Benitez had to field questions as to why Atsu has been used so sparingly till now and the Spaniard replied to the queries by explaining that the Ghanaian is still adapting to the Championship; before assuring that he will feature more prominently in the coming weeks.

Benitez was quoted saying by the Chronicle, “I think he’s a good player. We brought him here because we know that he’s a good player. Maybe he is the type of player that needs to know the Championship and to understand the way we play.

“He went away with the national team in the first 10 days of his Newcastle career. We have not had much time with him but I am really pleased with him. He is a nice lad, he is working hard, he’s different to the other lads we have. I think he can be a good player for us.”