DeAndre Yedlin has tipped NUFC winger Matt Ritchie to hit ‘top form’ after scoring his first of the season in the 1-0 win over Manchester United, admitting he was getting frustrated at his goal drought, but could now click into gear after breaking his duck.
The American could be right here. Ritchie started the season in promising fashion, bagging 4 assists in amongst our early season form, however he was without a goal and sorely lacking form just a few weeks ago.
He showed signs of being back to his brilliant best against Man Utd and his second half winner is likely to have given him the huge boost he needed after a poor season so far by his high standards
Here’s what teammate DeAndre Yedlin has had to say about Ritchie, explaining how his goal could be ‘great timing’ for the team, suggesting he could now regain his best form after getting off the mark against Man Utd:
“He’s the kind of player who wants to succeed.
“He was getting a bit frustrated because he didn’t have a goal this season.
“So for him to get his first goal is great timing for us.
“I think he will really click now.
“He can now hit top form between now and the end of the season because he’s a great player.
“We definitely need him and we’re all very happy for him.”
Here’s hoping he can kick on from here. To have last season’s most influential player back to his best would be a massive boost to Benitez and the boys.
We’ve missed his energy, invention and involvement in games this season. Hopefully we see the real Matt Ritchie once again when he returns to former club Bournemouth on Saturday.
