You are here: HomeNews2016 01 16Article 408079

Sports News of Saturday, 16 January 2016

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

Hiddink wants Ghana star Christian Atsu to stay

Atsu and Rahman at training with the rest of the Chelsea team Atsu and Rahman at training with the rest of the Chelsea team

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has given his initial assessment of Ghana star Christian Atsu and has hinted the winger could remain at the Stamford Bridge despite loan interest.

The 24-year-old has been back at Chelsea's Cobham grounds training with the Blues squad after the Premier League title-holders recalled him from his loan spell with Bournemouth.

A flock of clubs from across Europe have expressed interest in the former FC Porto starlet with Turkish side Galatasaray and La Liga outfit Levante leading the race for a possible loan move.

But the Dutchman has praised the 2015 AFCON Golden Shoe winner for his exploits at training and says he wants to see the durability of a winger, meaning he could remain at the Stamford Bridge.

"Atsu is doing well since he has come back following an injured period and he can play in several positions as well," he told Chelsea official website.

Hiddink says Atsu's qualities impress him but he must keep up with his form.

"He must also improve over a longer period but I have seen him be very agile, very fast, he has good touch and he is very enthusiastic. He is brave and with a very good head. But I must not be too enthusiastic, I must give him time in the next period to make the same impression as he is doing now," he added.

Atsu has had botched loan spells at Everton and Bournemouth in the English Premier League and will be seeking a move away from the English Premier League if Chelsea are to send him on another loan spell.

He excelled on loan in the Dutch top-flight for Vitesse Arnhem.