Stoke City and Middlesbrough are reportedly battling to sign Newcastle United’s Matt Ritchie, who could be available for £15million this summer. Both clubs need to enhance their hopes of promotion into the Premier League and to that end, a move for Ritchie makes sense.
The 28-year-old arrived at the St. James’ Park two years ago from Bournemouth. However, manager Rafa Benitez might be tempted to sell him to generate funds for strengthening his squad further.
The Scottish winger was an integral part of Newcastle’s successes in the Premier League last season and as fate would have it, both Stoke and Middlesbrough are in need of an attacking winger. Xherdan Shaqiri is certain to leave the Potters and that would leave a big hole for new manager Gary Rowett to fill. Meanwhile, Boro are short on quality wingers since the likes of Stewart Downing and Adama Traore have been unable to provide the goods.
However, the gaping hole left by Shaqiri must persuade Stoke to go for Ritchie with greater enthusiasm. Let us scout Ritchie and analyze where he’d fit in under Rowett.
The 28-year-old has the ability to play on either wing. He often takes the initiative of creating chances for the team due to his directness and pace. Ritchie also has the propensity to be deadly on the ball, if provided with space and time.
The Scotland international is quite accurate when it comes to set-pieces and can pick key passes to make things happen out of nowhere. Furthermore, he possesses a powerful left foot that can torment opposition defenders to a great extent.
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With Shaqiri’s exit and Ritchie’s simultaneous arrival, Stoke need not worry about the new season. After all, the Newcastle man is a solid player and he is more than capable of replacing Shaqiri up front. In addition to his attacking strengths, Ritchie can also contribute to the defence.
Hence, Stoke must do everything they can to beat Middlesbrough and sign Matt Ritchie this summer.
