Loads of Newcastle supporters have been sharing their views on Reddit recently, after one user asked the fanbase for their thoughts on Matt Ritchie.
The 16-cap former Scotland international has been a surprise star of our season, having been forced to ditch his established right-midfield role for a spot in the side at left-wing-back.
Despite his stature at 5 ft 6 and relative lack of pace, the 29-year-old soon become established in the role, and is clearly comfortable coming up against some of the Premier League’s best wingers – which he will be at the weekend when Liverpool visit St James’ Park.
With his future cast into doubt over the last month, though, how much longer Ritchie plies his trade on Tyneside remains to be seen.
Reports in April suggested we were exploring the potential of using the former Bournemouth winger to lure one of the Cherries’ current stars to the North East in a cash-plus-player swap deal for Ryan Fraser.
Ritchie is also yet to be offered a new long-term contract beyond his current deal which expires in 2021, too, despite being keen to lock down his time at Newcastle beyond that.
With the summer transfer around the corner, as well, the visit of Liverpool before our trip to Fulham may be his final games as a Magpie.
That may be why U/TheShearerComplex asked his fellow Newcastle fans for their thoughts on Ritchie, noting: “I think he is a very good player and we should keep him next year.
“His delivery from out wide is huge, even if his pace is betraying him. He’s a bit radge, but we need those sort of players around to keep other players on their toes.”
When the St James’ Park faithful caught wind of the thread, this is what some of the replies said…
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