He doesn't do anything in open play so I disagree
I disagree with that, but even if I agreed, compared to who?
Atsu and Murphy, maybe Aarons. They at least get on the ball and try to drag us forward even if their end product is poor
And yet generally (not recently though) Ritchie's strength over them is his end product and defensive responsibility. Better strikers and his delivery would look a lot better than it is at the moment imo.
He is technically better, yes, but he doesn't get the chance to show it as he doesn't get up the pitch quick enough. His defensive responsibility is no better than Atsu or Murphy based on this season.
As I have said, I would start him because of his corners though