Newcastle United player review 09/10 – Midfielders.
Posted on May 7th, 2010 | 88 Comments |
It’s been a strange position for us this year. On one hand, some say the midfield has been our achilles heel, it lacks mobility and creativity. On the other hand though, it has been a position that has yielded a return of 30 goals from the season. Without checking, that is probably a damn sight more than what we have had in return from the past few seasons. Of course 17 of them have come from Kevin Nolan which has helped improve that figure, but despite the criticism that has been aimed at them from time to time they have chipped in with their fair share of assists aswell. After all, strikers need service from somewhere, right?
Jonas Gutierrez – Has been excellent this season, and his work rate is just immense which helps Jose Enrique out no end. Attracted criticism last year for lack of goals and the quality over his final delivery. If you study his final ball though, you’ll see it isn’t actually that bad. He is playing the ball into a decent area the majority of the time and into positions where you would expect a striker to be. I said ‘majority’, there have been some god awful deliveries aswell mind. He managed to score four goals this term which means we have got to see his Spiderman mask in action, much to the delight of the fans.
Kevin Nolan – Has had a habit of scoring vital goals throughout the season, 17 of them in 44 appearances in fact. Will probably end up as captain next year and has been one of the leaders this season whilst picking up the PFA Championship Player of the Year award in recognition of his efforts along the way. Questions are being asked about whether he can hack it in the Premier League, but with over 270 appearances and at only 27 years old I don’t have any real concerns about that. He should hit the gym a bit harder for next season though!
Joey Barton – The love child of one of our regular posters, Big Dave, has had his season massively interrupted by injury which has limited his input somewhat. Spent the first few games of the season played out of position on the left side of the pitch, which wasn’t idaeal for him. Has showed glimpes of the Joey Barton that played for Manchester City since his return from a foot injury with a couple of cracking defence splitting balls to setup goals and a good free kick goal against Peterborough. Will be like a new signing for next season if he can stay fit and trouble free.
Alan Smith – Tough tackling and no nonsense, two ways of describing Alan Smith. Was a key player in the first half of the season, breaking up play and leading the team. Still hasn’t notched his first goal for Newcastle in 32 appearances, and probably never will. I fell he will unfortunately just be a back-up player for next season.
Nicky Butt – Will be leaving in the summer, possibly to retire from football or coach somewhere. He has been a bit part player this season with only 17 appearances to his name this season, and he will be the first one to admit he isn’t the player he once was. A model professional in his six years with us, I can only wish him the best for the future.
Danny Guthrie – Another player to benefit from the purchase of Wayne Routledge which seen him move into the middle of the park to play in his favoured position. Mustered an impressive 38 appearances and four goals from this season and will be looking to build upon his impressive form and carry it over to next season.
Fabrice Pancrate – Flattered to decieve in his 16 appearances unfortunately, especially after his wonder goal against Watford at the start of what has turned out to be a short career on Tyneside. Never really did much wrong and it looks like a case that he just wasn’t good enough. Appeared to enjoy his time with and I wish all the best for the future.
Wayne Routledge – Signed in January and has made 17 appearances since. Injected some much needed pace into the side and the team looks so much more balanced with him in it. Has a point to prove next season at Premier League level and I feel that he is capable of grasping the chance of top flight football with both hands.
I have left out players like Damien Duff and Geremi because their input for us this season was so neglible it doesn’t warrant me wasting any space on a page. Haris Vuckic has also been left out as he is undoubtedly one to watch but I feel it would be unfair to judge him on just a handful of appearances.
What d’ya reckon? Agree or disagree?
NUFCBlog Author: toonsy
toonsy has written 643 articles on this blog.
I feel bad for Smith…perhaps there’s some type of curse surrounding the owner of the team wearing your number.
I remember back when Keegan put Joey on the spot to take (and score) a penalty kick, I felt it was the right thing to do. I would love to see a game in which Smith is given the go ahead to take a penalty. I’ve always been a fan of his, even when he was back at Leeds. I’d hate to see him NOT score for the Toon.