Goal scorer Marcel Ritzmaier says he is eager to find the back of the net once more and help Barnsley build on their encouraging pre-season performance against Newcastle United.
The Austrian midfielder was on hand to slot home from close range shortly after half-time to round off a flowing team move against Steve Bruce’s Magpies in the north-east.
“You want to score goals as a player – as many as possible,” insisted Ritzmaier. “But the performance of the team is more important than an individual performance.
His goal came from a left wing-back position – a role he played magnificently in the 1-1 draw at Luton Town back in July.
The 27-year-old’s versatility has made him one of Gerhard Struber’s key players since his arrival from Wolfsberger AC in the winter transfer window, and he says he is happy to do whatever he is required.
“It’s a strong side of my game style; the gaffer knows where I can play and, wherever I play, I want to help the team and give all I can,” asserted Ritzmaier.
Despite succumbing to a 2-1 defeat against their Premier League opponents, there were plenty of positives to take from the game at Darsley Park.
Barnsley were assured in possession and played the ball out from the back with confidence, while also carving out a number of chances in either half.
“It was a very good test for us at the start of the season,” stated Ritzmaier. “We saw a lot of good things, but also things to improve on. But I think it was a good game. Newcastle is a Premier League club – a big club with big players and a really good team.
“That should be our standard to play good against these teams; if we do it like this in the next couple of games, we should get a good start.”
