Newcastle United player review 09/10 – Defenders.
Posted on May 6th, 2010 | 44 Comments |
Last time out we had at look at how our goalkeepers had been getting on throughout the season, which was pretty easy by all accounts as there isn’t that many of them. Now we step up the difficulty and broaden our review to feature our whole defence and look at how they have performed this season. The back four has been a very strong area for us this season, a strange thing for a Newcastle fan to say following year after year of shabby backlines that nobody really seemed to be able to sort out. Granted we may have been playing against weaker opposition, but we have come out on top of them, miles on top in fact and we head to the Premier League with best defensive record in The Championship safely in the bag. I know we have had loan players in the shape of Patrick van Aanholt, Fitz Hall and Zhurab Khizanishvilli but I am going to discount them for this as they aren’t technically our players and only really played a handful of games for us.
Danny Simpson – Has attracted some criticism from some quarters but is still probably the best right back we have at the club right now. Made 41 appearances this term and had his initial loan from Manchester United made permanent in January. Started off really well but tailed off towards the end of the campaign amid rumours that he has been carrying a niggling hip injury. In my opinion he needs to learn to make the right decision when choosing whether to close opposing attackers down or not. Question marks remain over whether he can step up to the level of performance the Premier League requires.
Ryan Taylor – Hard to decide whether Ryan is best fitted into the defender or midfielder category, so in the interest of balance I have him down as a right back. Has made 33 appearances this season but has done reasonably well when called upon. Has scored goals and his set piece deliveries can be excellent, although I still have doubts about him and his lack of pace and awareness. Could be worth keeping hold of as he can cover in a number of positions and is reortedly attracting interest from Bolton Wanderers.
Steven Taylor – A constant subject of rumour and many will have an eye on whether or not Steven Taylor signs a new contract at his home town club over the summer. His season was cut short through an injury suffered back in January and as a result only managed to make 21 appearances this term. Was very solid and dependable in those appearances and his Premier League experience will be needed next season.
Fabricio Coloccini – Arrived with a big price tag and even bigger hair at the start of the 08/09 season but struggled to adapt in his first season in the Premier League. He has turned into a bit of a cult hero this time around and has looked much more solid and composed in his 37 appearances this season. Some might say that a season in The Championship could be just what the Argentine needed to help him adjust to the English game, let’s see if he can keep it up against better opposition next season.
Mike Williamson – Who? That is what a lot of people were saying when he arrived from Portsmouth in January. Mike has been excellent in the 16 appearances since his arrival and is the no-nonense kind of defender we need. Has a point to prove in the Premier League after not getting his chance at Portsmouth due to a clause involving more money which they couldn’t afford to pay to Watford.
Tamas Kadar – A young player with what looks like a bright future ahead and has always stepped up to the plate in the 13 appearances he managed this season. Can play at left back aswell and he can hopefully continue to develop his undoubted potential in the Premier League next year.
Jose Enrique – Jose has been brilliant in his 34 appearances this season and has really looked like a Premier League left back playing in The Championship. A firm fan favourite who clearly does love the club and is responsible for what I deem to be one of the defing images of the season – the scenes of the whole team celebrating his goal against Nottigham Forest. No wories about him for next season in my opinion.
Part two done, look out for part three where I will review our midfield. In the meantime, feel free to agree or disagree with what I have wrote and offer your own reviews if you wish.
No Patrick Van Aanholt?! I thought the kid was beastly