Newcastle United stars make squad statement amid rumoured transfer signing spree

Newcastle United has been making headline news recently with the (yet-to-be-announced) major signing of AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali and the speculation around which other world-class players the club could be signing in this window.

But Eddie Howe has made it clear in the past high-calibre footballers weren’t enough to drive the Magpies towards greatness. It’s also all about the mentality and leadership in the changing room.

And this was made startlingly clear by the Newcastle players themselves when they were asked who was their ‘unsung hero’ of the season.

Amongst the Sean Longstaffs, Jacob Murphys and behind-the-scenes staff, Matt Ritchie was overwhelmingly a favourite with the players.

“Last few weeks when he’s been out we’ve missed him in training,” said Dan Burn. “Just sort of how vocal he is and how he drives training with his standards. He’s probably not got as many games as he would have liked but I think every time he comes in he sets an example to not only the young lads but also to the more experienced lads like me.”

Ritchie was out-of-contract at the end of the season and after making only 10 appearances this season doubt was cast over his future at the club. But Howe has always spoken so highly of the winger, especially when it comes to his leadership. Perhaps this is why Ritchie has been given a year’s extension on his contract- it definitely seems that way by the players’ thoughts about him.

“He’s very important for us,” explained Bruno Guimaraes. “He’s a leader, he’s always speaking in the changing rooms.”

And newcomer Anthony Gordon added how much Ritchie has helped him personally since he joined the club in January:

“Just what he brings, off the pitch and even when you’re on it and he’s just shouting and giving you advice on the training pitch and in games. You can hear him while you’re playing in games over the crowd-it’s crazy. He has helped me a lot since I’ve come here.”