Newcastle winger Christian Atsu has pleaded with Rafa Benitez to hand him further first-team minutes after his long-awaited return to the starting XI, according to quotes published by the Chronicle,
The Ghana international featured for 81 minutes in our 1-1 draw at Brighton over the weekend, which was his first taste of the opening line-up since we drew 1-1 at Wolverhampton Wanderers back in February.
Atsu has made six outings in Black and White since then and his role against the Seagulls, but his longest appearance from those came as a 64-minute substitute for Miguel Almiron when we beat Southampton 3-1.
The £5.4million-rated forward may have put in a hard-working shift against Brighton last time out, too, but his efforts proved Benitez right in benching the former Chelsea star.
Atsu failed once again to open his tally for either goals or assists this season at the Amex, as he only managed to record one shot – which was blocked – and played zero key passes.
Our Ada-Foah-born wide man also only managed to win one of his attempted tackles and aerial duels at Brighton, and should be nowhere near the starting XI to face Liverpool this weekend, even if we are without both Almiron and Ayoze Perez through injury.
“I’m always ready to give my best for the team whenever I’m called [on],” Atsu claimed. “I’m always prepared to give everything, and I’m very happy I got some minutes in my legs [against Brighton].
“I’m very happy with my performance, though I couldn’t create or score. But, I’m really working hard on it, trying to be my best for the team.”
Atsu failing to open his account against Brighton on Saturday made it 491 days, and counting, since he last found the back of the net or teed someone else up to score.