Sports News of Saturday, 12 August 2017

Source: goal.com

Atsu can prove he is a good player - Tony Yeboah

Christian Atsu Christian Atsu

The former Leeds United star is elated that his countryman is finally beginning a new season on a permanent deal with the Magpies

Former Ghana and Leeds United striker Tony Yeboah has admitted his happiness with the current situation of Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu ahead of the 2017/18 Premier League, which kicks off on Friday.

Atsu, 25, joined Chelsea from FC Porto in 2013 but failed to make a single senior team appearance with the Blues and was loaned to several clubs including Everton, Bournemouth and Malaga in Spain.

Last season, he joined Newcastle on a season-long loan deal and was so impressive, featuring 32 times and scoring five goals as the North-East side topped the Championship log to make a return to the Premier League.

His performance prompted head coach Rafael Benitez to make his deal permanent.
“I am delighted with Christian Atsu's current situation. He has been tossed around on loan from one club to the other but he seems to have found a base at a very good club like Newcastle United," Yeboah told KweseESPN.

“The Premier League will test him incredibly. It requires strength, a strong personality and such great discipline. But he is such a good player and I really hope he can prove that in the Premier League next season,” he added.

Atsu, who last played in the Premier League in 2015 with Everton, is expected to make a return on Sunday at St. James' Park when Newcastle welcome Tottenham Hotspur in the opening game.