The 34-year-old Blues academy product has returned to the club on a free transfer following his Newcastle departure, signing a two-year deal at Fratton Park.
It’s a signing that has pleased an awful lot of people at PO4 - from the head coach, to the player himself and, of course, the Fratton faithful.
But what exactly can Pompey expect from the player at this late stage of his career and where will he fit into John Mousinho plans?
Well, thanks to @SonStats - a PFSA Level 2 technical scout and performance analyst, plus an avid Pompey fan - we’ve been given a clearer indication.
Here’s his analysis of what Ritchie will have to offer following confirmation of his emotional homecoming.
5. Potential fit
For the record I don’t expect Ritchie to start that many games for us. When he does play I’d expect his primary position to be as an inverted right winger with his secondary position being as a left winger. I’d prefer him to have a more mobile energetic central midfielder alongside him, like Andre Dozzell or Tom Lowery. | @SonStats
6. Build-up phase
Ritchie is comfortable receiving the ball in tight pockets and using his upper-body strength to shield the ball. He can draw the left-back narrow which would open up space in the wide channel. The only thing he may struggle with is trying to turn away from his man if he’s up against a fast, agile left-back therefore the ball-side pivot should be in close proximity to receive a back pass. | @SonStats
7. Creative/attacking phase
It makes sense to have an athletic full-back playing alongside Ritchie in the wide areas. Jordan Williams is exactly that type of player. The off-the-ball movement of Kusini Yengi could also cause havoc, with the shooting angle suiting the right-footed striker as he runs in behind the defence. | @SonStats
8. Defensive phase
It’s defensively, however, where I feel we’ll see the best of Ritchie, particularly late on in games where we may have to do a lot of defending. His strong work-rate off the ball will be essential in seeing through pressure in these scenarios. I’d also include the likes of Callum Lang, Gavin Whyte and Sammy Silvera who can all come on out wide late on in games to see the result out. | @SonsStats