Ritchie Happy With Change Of Role

Matt Ritchie insists he is enjoying his role as a wing-back for Newcastle United and feels comfortable in the position.

Having played one season in the Premier League with Bournemouth, the 29-year-old moved to St James’ Park in the summer of 2016 to aid the Magpies’ promotion push from the Championship.

The Scotland international has now become an important part of Rafa Benitez’s side in the top flight, putting in 69 Premier League appearances since the start of last season and scoring five goals.

More accustomed to operating out wide on the right, Ritchie was asked to play at left wing-back by the Spanish tactician last December and has taken to the switch well.

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The former Swindon Town ace also has six assists this term and is relishing the chance to influence matters more than in his previous position. “I enjoy playing wing-back and I get a lot more of the ball than I did higher up the pitch,” he said. “I thoroughly enjoy the defensive side too. “I have played against some very good wingers now. I have learned on the job a bit defensively and if you ask the gaffer here, or Eddie Howe at Bournemouth, they would probably never have said that I could defend.”