Premier League International Cup

Atsu: Newcastle boys will learn from Porto test

12 Apr 2018
Christian Atsu, Newcastle United

Magpies winger lauds the club's academy ahead of PL International Cup semi-final against his old side at St James' Park

Related Articles
Atsu can't wait to see Newcastle face old club in semi-final tie External Link
Watch Porto clash live on NUFC TV External Link
PL International Cup tables

Newcastle United's Premier League International Cup semi-final against Porto, at 7pm BST on Thursday, is one of special significance for first-team winger Christian Atsu

Atsu's professional career began at Porto before leaving for Chelsea in September 2013, and he will be at St James' Park to watch the last-four tie.

"I was lucky to play with great players like Hulk, (Radamel) Falcao, Jackson Martinez, James Rodriguez, and I learnt a lot there," he told Newcastle's official website.

Atsu believes Newcastle's academy is comparable to that of the Portuguese club, who beat Sunderland 5-0 to win the 2016/17 International Cup final.

"An example is Paul Dummett. "We are very happy with him, so he shows that there are great players in the academy and they can also make it to the first team.

"I've trained with some of [the current under-23 players] also. They have great talent and I believe most of them can break into the first team if they really want to, and continue working hard.

"Porto is a team that loves to keep the ball, they work hard and they try to press the opponents every time. I think it will be a very good experience for them to pay against teams outside England, to see how other teams play. They will learn a lot."

The winners will face Arsenal in the final.

Latest Videos

More Videos