‘More attacking’ - Newcastle United favourite ‘reborn’ in original Rafa Benitez role

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has revealed Matt Ritchie will be used as an attacking player in the Championship.

Newcastle United allowed the 34-year-old to leave on a free transfer in June and used him variably throughout his St James’ Park career. Initially signed as a winger under Rafa Benitez, Ritchie terrorised the right flank as the Magpies secured an instant Premier League return.

But as game time proved difficult in his latter years, Ritchie adapted, often being deployed at wing-back. He has now returned to his boyhood club as Pompey aim to make an impression following League One promotion last season.

Portsmouth boss Mousinho acknowledged the veteran’s versatility but stressed he views him as an attacking player. He told The News: “I think there’s a lot of flexibility there, I think he’s a very good technical player. When you’ve got players who can handle the ball and understand the game, I think they can play in a variety of positions.

“Certainly where I see him now is anywhere behind the number nine, he’s good enough to play in any one of those front three positions or adapt to anywhere we put him. He’s played more as a left-winger, but a player of his calibre should be able to fit in there (the 10 position) and adjust really well. 

“He has been flexible where he’s played in his career, whether it’s been as a left-winger or right-winger. He’s played as a No.10, a left wing-back and left-back at times. 

“I think he has a lot of potential to be versatile and that’s a really important point for us in terms of bringing certain players in. We definitely see him more as an attacking player.”