Newcastle’s last line of defence – Part Deux
Posted on January 5th, 2010 | 179 Comments |
Two months (and a bit) on from the last review, with the transfer window looming, I thought it might be worth having another look at how the players are doing. With off-field sagas taking a backseat for now, the focus is thankfully on the pitch and given our recent blip, does it add significance to the opportunity to invest this month?
We’re just about halfway through our first season in The Championship since our untimely relegation, and as we sit proudly at the top of the table, it goes some way to proving the quality and endeavour that we have available in the squad.
There is still that underlying fear that our position owes much to the lack of quality elsewhere in the league, an argument which holds some water. Much of our good start to the season is undoubtedly owed to a tremendous defensive record, which was something surely none of us expected.
For what it’s worth here’s my own term review of the keepers and defenders. I’ve only included the lads who have played at least a couple of games so far and I’ve just added to my initial review from back in October.
Stevie Harper – Harps has waited long enough in the shadows of former custodians and particularly big pal Shay Given before we sold him to Moneybags City. Not many people have a bad word to say about him and his professional approach to the game and in the past, when called upon, just came in and did the job. I think he’s quite a calming influence on the defence and they look more organised this season so perhaps the communication is getting better. Pulled off some good saves already this season but I still think he looks a bit suspect on crosses and jeez those ones he ‘watches go wide’. (Update) Nonetheless, Harper has continued to perform and has even drawn suggestions of an England call-up in time for the World Cup…….. rating so far – 8/10
Tim Krul – The young Dutch stopper waited patiently, or at least he was doing until he had a bit of a rant about Hughton and his lack of chances. Has looked fairly solid and confident and definitely looks like a good shot stopper but doesn’t look like the finished article yet and considering experience and everything else, probably needs to recognise Harper is the stronger of the two at the moment. (Update) Krul has done everything that’s asked of him when he’s stepped into the fray and with encouraging words to suggest he’s committed to the club, remains one young player very much for the future…….. rating so far – 7/10
Ryan Taylor – Considering his uncanny knack of scoring against us, I think we all looked forward to seeing Taylor delivering his famed final/dead balls and creating chance after chance and scoring freekick after freekick. It never really worked out that way initially, but in fairness, the quality is starting to come and even though he’s been invariably deployed in the right back role, in which he admits he’s happiest, he gets forward well to support. Lacks a little pace at times which can leave him exposed with nippier opposition. (Update) Taylor has admirably adapted to a number of positions when called upon, notably right-back and right-midfield but looks more comfortable in his preferred position at full-back, though I’d like to see more consistency with deliveries as he can clearly strike a ball when he wants. I get the impression he’s actually a few steps ahead of other players sometimes and looks like he dwells on the ball because the runs aren’t being made, so we don’t get the best out of that right foot of his. Or he might just be dwelling on the ball……… rating so far – 7/10
Danny Simpson – I guess, inevitably, the fact we got him on loan from Manchester United meant there was the hope that he’d have ability. Of course there was the old argument that he wasn’t being loaned out for nothing and Ferguson is no fool. Whether expectations were high, I’m not sure, but for me he’s been solid. And that’s probably about it. Solid and dependable, nothing spectacular, but then is spectacular what you’re looking for in a defender? Probably not. (Update) Conflicting rumours at the minute as to whether he’ll be recalled by the Mancs, despite being cleared for the FA Cup game. Epitomises the no nonsense approach to defending we sometimes need to counter the more flamboyant Jose and Colo……… rating so far – 7/10
Fabricio Coloccini – Who’dathunk that a few months into the season we’d be missing Coloccini? Not me. And yet it’s happened. He forged a fairly formidable partnership with Stevie Taylor before picking up an injury and with the drop in standard and the pace not quite so quick, I think it’s fair to say he can get away with more this term. However, I also think he’s gotten to grips with the English game a bit more and seems steadier and more determined. Long may it continue. When he gets fit again. (Update) Returned from fitness, carried on where he’d left off and has actually just got better and better. To be honest, I don’t care anymore whether it’s down to the lack of opposition, the kid has been a different class in recent games……… rating so far – 9/10
Steven Taylor – As mentioned, has developed a good understanding with Colo and is also a big miss. Lion-hearted, 100%er and local lad to boot, we can probably forgive him, his tendencies to overact when struck on the arm by a ball. His natural pace and strength are much more effective at this level where refined defending isn’t necessarily needed but has looked composed on the ball. We’ll look much better without a doubt when he’s back. (Update) Another defender that returned from injury, and has continued to improve game after game, not as classy Colo but just as vital……… rating so far – 9/10
Jose Enrique – Jose has always been someone I rated highly despite some of his obvious flaws, particularly his tendency to overplay it in our third. His strength and pace are phenomenal really and he makes sheperding the ball out of play look so easy. I think I may nickname him Batfink, because his wings are like a shield of steel. Is a massive shining light in a squad that teeters around average. Never flustered and has carried the ball to great effect this season. If only Gutierrez would play the easy ball more often, we’d get much more joy down the left with Jose whipping them in. (Update) I think by his very own high standards that he’d set up until about three or four games ago, Jose would have justifiably got a 10 out of 10. As it is, despite still looking like our best attacking player at times, he’s got a little over-confident in his last few games and hasn’t been as impressive, but still without doubt, a million miles above any other left back in this division that I’ve seen……… rating so far – 9/10
Zurab Khizanishvili – Another loanee defender, this time from Blackburn Rovers and started well but then showed signs of getting caught for pace a little. Not convinced it’s helped having to chop and change his defensive partner though. Looks nice and tidy on the ball and carries it out of defence and moves it sharply which is a refreshing change. Evidently, he doesn’t mind a bit of argy bargy, so I’m sure he’ll fit in well around here. (Update) Barely played after this but when he did, looked shaky and I don’t think he’ll be missed after his return to Blackburn. Can’t see Hughton going back to get an extension on the loan……… rating so far – 6/10
Tamas Kadar – Saw a bit of him in pre-season, where despite all the inevitable changes throughout, he looked nice and steady. Played well the other day but had a couple of lapses which might have been more costly. Also gave the ball away for the Doncaster goal. Definitely one for the future though if he keeps progressing. (Update) – Impressive displays continue for the reserves and when called upon for the first time has never let us down, earning rave reviews for his performance against Plymouth in the cup. Another defender showing bags of promise? Somebody is making this up right?……… rating so far – 7/10
Ben Tozer – Just scrapes in because of my ‘games’ rule but to be honest I haven’t seen much of him though he’s clearly highly-rated. Difficult to say much more and I’ll give him a six for kicks but hard to rate him just yet. (Nothing to update on)……… rating so far – 6/10
I’d like to think none of these players goes anywhere in the transfer window and we secure the services of Danny Simpson, at least until the end of the season. I’d also like to imagine that Matthew Kilgallon will become a Newcastle player sometime soon. Anyway, enough of my waffle…
What do you lot think?
Nice story BBM