Matt Ritchie (now playing for Portsmouth)

[Tribesman]

I didn't know he used to play left back earlier in his career.

 

Maybe we should buy another winger in the summer and move Ritchie to left back.

[Guest]

I don’t know what to make of him. Go through phases where I love him but then he’ll do something like make a ridiculous challenge or go through spells where he can’t beat the first man and think what the hell.

 

If Kenedy can build on his cameo on Saturday over the next few sub appearances I’d like to see him in.

[Andy84]

Angry as fuck on Saturday, constantly waving his arms about screaming like a radge

[DJ_NUFC]

As much as I admire his passion, time for him to move on. He doesn't seem to be on the same wavelength as the new front 3. Only been a couple of games, so hopefully he improves on this. But just seems to make up for his lack of attacking threat with yelling and being mad at his teammates.

[St1pe]

I think you need grafters like him in the team/squad. If we were to move him on in the summer the squad would be worse off for it.

[Tsunami]

Think he was getting frustrated on Saturday with Almiron straying from his expected position. He had a few words with Rafa at one point as he was clearly looking for Almiron down the line and he wasn’t there. That’ll all quickly improve.

[Marmoset]

Yeah he'll be a very good utility option for next season whatever happens.

 

And you've got to give him a chance to get used to Almiron's movement to be fair to him.

[morla84]

To be fair it is quite a shock to see any kind of movement down the left hand side

[Raconteur]

Looks like the weakest link at the moment. He clearly works better with Atsu than Almiron, but that's tough shit for Ritchie.

 

I've been following the debate about him "ignoring" Almiron and watched for it, and it seemed to me that more than once Almiron was narrower than Ritchie wanted. Surely it's just a getting-to-know-you thing...?

[54]

Thought he was pretty class today tbh.

[Yorkie]

Ritchie's a bit of a cult hero as far as I'm concerned because he was massive for us in the Championship and has, on the whole, been extremely dependable in the Premier League; but I'd love to see Rafa spend significant bucks on a LWB and a RWB. The system we have employed for the past however many weeks works a treat at times but where it's most lacking is that consistent penetration from the widest areas. We'd be pushing the top 7 if we had players in those positions who weren't just 'alright'.

[AyeDubbleYoo]

Yep, they're both grafters but neither can really threaten a fullback and get to the byline. Guess that's not necessarily a requirement, but more crosses for Rondon would be nice.

[themanupstairs]

LWB being a thing is the only reason he's playing in the PL now IMO. He's done very well recently but we definitely need an upgrade in the summer.

[SiLvOR]

Thought he was pretty class today tbh.

 

That shot at the end though

 

I said it in the match thread, he's very 6/10. I like him, but we need an upgrade to kick on, as has been the case for many players over multiple years.

[Lenny]

Ritchie probably has the best opportunity to show his best now, more than at any other stage during his time with us.

 

Whilst he doesn’t have the most athletic attributes, he’s a player that, given space, can cause problems with his quality passing and crossing, and with Almiron we have a player that can create that space for him. People are picking up on him not passing to Almiron, but it’s likely that he’s enjoying having a bit of room for a change, rather than anything sinister.

 

I really wouldn’t be surprised if Ritchie’s form and productivity took an upturn during the remainder of the season.

[mrmojorisin75]

i like his workrate but i don't like his use of the ball generally if i'm being honest

[Sho Time]

Pretty much the new Jonas now. We miss his work-rate when he's around, but his general play with the ball can be pretty suspect. He at least has a delivery on him though, and his engine for that LWB role is great.

[Cronky]

I like his work-rate and attitude, and he shows good technique, but really he's too slow to be an effective wide player at the level we're aiming for.

[Away Day Gadgie]

I thought he was good yesterday, particularly in the first half.  He put in a brilliant cross for Rondon that had goal written all over it, assisted (sort of) the 2nd goal, and i also remember a superb cross-field ball to someone on the right wing.  He possibly could have had a pen given against him but it was good that he recognised the danger and tried to do something about it.  I know he’s not everyone’s cup of tea but i definitely think he’s one of those players that you would miss as soon as he’s not there.

[morla84]

Got to the stadium a little bit early so was watching them warming up. They were doing the keep ball drill and almiron darted across to chest it to intercept a ball Ritchie hit. Ritchie was giving a full blown appeal for hand ball until he realised there wasnt even any coaches watching them. Just doesn't have an off button man

[sixx]

Even though we should be looking to replace him in the first XI we definitely need him as an utility man, back up and a leader in the dressing room - really dread the days of Coloccini captaincy when we had absolute fuck all leadership in the squad.

[Kanj]

Mad fucker just pass the fucking ball to Miggy

[BergenMagpie]

I wouldnt mind Ritchie if he was a bit better at dribbling. So annoying to always see him cut in just to realize he can’t do shit with his right foot, not take a defender on, so just ends up passing it backwards. Guess he is our best LWB though if he can start linking up with Almiron. No doubt that Rafa will tell him this so hopefully our left side will look a bit more dangerous going forward

[mrmojorisin75]

Mad fucker just pass the fucking ball to Miggy

 

i get the impression from limited viewing that part of the issue here is how one sided they both are in their play

[ujpest doza]

I think the not passing thing is just Almiron making runs to create space and stretch the opposition and the intention isn't to actually receive a pass at that time anyway, ie a deliberate tactic.