Whatever Christian Atsu had for breakfast, he needs to start having it every week.
The Ghanaian started against Rochdale at left wing-back, and it was actually astounding how good he was in the first half.
The 27-year-old ran the League One side ragged, going past players with ease every time he got possession. He was so good in the opening stages that Rochdale were forced to make a change after 30 minutes.
Atsu’s great work down the left gave Newcastle the lead in the 17th minute, picking out Miguel Almiron who lashed in his second Toon goal.
The makeshift defender’s influence waned as the game went on and he moved further up the pitch, but his first half performance was a sight to behold.
He did everything he doesn’t do in the Premier League – he played with confidence and ran at defenders. Sadly the end product still wasn’t perfect and he was only against a League One side, so maybe he’s just found his level…
Was that really Christian Atsu out there?
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