fbpx

Everton Coach Roberto Martinez Believes In Christian Atsu’s Ability

Everton Coach Roberto Martinez Believes In Christian Atsu’s Ability

Everton coach Roberto Martinez has revealed his confidence in Ghana striker Christian Atsu, saying that he believes the player will have a good second half of the season following his return to the side.

Atsu has returned to the Toffees from international duty with Ghana at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Equatorial Guinea, where the Black Stars lost in the final to Cote D’Ivoire after a tense penalty shootout which ended 9-8 in favour of the Elephants.

The 23-year-old has only registered a handful of appearances for Everton this season, as he struggled to break into the side following his loan move from Chelsea, but with his national team at the Nations Cup he was almost unstoppable.

Atsu’s silky passing and stealthy running with the ball made him stand out at the tournament, as he guided his team to the final, even hitting the upright during the regulation 120 minutes before penalties with a stunning strike from distance which could have changed the destiny of the game.

He played in all six games for the Black Stars and won the Nissan Goal of the Tournament after a stunning strike against Guinea in the quarter-final, as well as the AFCON Player of the Tournament for his exploits throughout the competition.

Speaking about his newly returned winger, Martinez said that he believes in the youngster’s ability to add to his side at this difficult point in the season.

“I have always been aware Christian maybe needed a bit of a period to settle into the British game. Wingers rely on balance, one on one situations, and need time to adapt over here,” he told the Daily Star.

“When he went to Africa Cup of Nations, I felt he was getting stronger in training and having a big influence. I always felt the second half of season would be his time and felt he would play a lot when he came back. He will have opportunities to show the player he is.”

This will be music to Atsu’s ears, and he will surely be keen to build on his form at the continental tournament to impress at Goodison Park.