After a promising start to the 2011/12 campaign many fans have been waxing lyrical about the performances of Newcastle’s new look midfield. Yohan Cabaye is settling into the squad nicely and has shown some real glimpses of class, particularly against Aston Villa where he forced a string of fine saves from Toon old boy Shay Given. His partnership with Tiote in the center of the park has drawn plaudits from fans and pundits alike with some considering it one of the finest in the league. Fellow new boy Gabriel Obertan has similarly impressed and has been a revelation on the right wing. His direct running combined with and an eye for a pass has cemented him in the Newcastle first team. Like Cabaye and Tiote in the middle, Obertan has formed a solid partnership down the right flank with fellow ex-Manchester Utd man Danny Simpson.
Despite these positive developments, one member of the midfield is proving to be somewhat of a headache for many fans. A favourite on Tyneside, Jonas Gutierrez is known for his direct running, bursts of pace and never say die attitude. Now in his fourth season at the club, Jonas is unfortunately still exhibiting that characteristic of his game that has seen his stock plummet amongst the Newcastle faithful, namely, the absence of a final ball. Jonas burst onto the scene in 2008 with an impressive debut against Man Utd and left many thinking that we had found a real star. Yet 119 games later Jonas finds himself with the paltry haul of 7 goals and 19 assists.
With his contract expiring at the end of next season it looks as if it is only a matter of time before Jonas, like many before him, will be shown the door. The Newcastle hierarchy will definitely not want to let their man leave on a free and a new and improved contract looks highly unlikely given his decidedly average performances for the club. And one should definitely not rule out a January exit if the right money is offered.
With the creative talents of Sylvain Marveaux waiting in the wings and youngster Mehdi Abeid looking tidy against Forest in the cup, it looks like plans have already been laid for his departure and fans should not expect a replacement to be brought in, something which will undoubtedly draw the ire of the anti-Ashley contingent.
Written by Nevan Riley for NothingButNewcastle.com.
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Got to be one of the most funny blogs I’ve ever read, got to be a wind up!
As everyone else has suggested it really would appear you know sod all about squat
Shockin article!! Whilst Jonas hasnt chipped in with a hatfull of Goals his input to the team is overall is very good in terms of defensive duties, workrate, providing a good outlet and the abiity to win free kicks in dangerous areas – Also his commitment to the cause has never been questioned and he didnt try and jump ship in the relegation campaign –
What a ridiculous article, obviously hasn’t seen much of jonas’ performances. Granted,he’s no world beater but has been one of our most consistent perfomers and is very reliable in that he picks up very few injuries and stays away from the childish dramas. I think he’s underrated and that we will start seeing some improvement in his final ball when we finally get someone on the right who can threaten the opposition with real wing play. The balance is coming, watch jonas excel.
A big non article from an faceless non entity.
You have gone a long way to find a story about someone the fans love and you got it wrong!!
That is a sublime talent.
Your user name should end in “ick” and a clue Thick is already taken!
🙂
I am the best
What utter rubbish! The fact that he signed a contract extension today is just hilarious!
He has been a great player for newcatle. I take your point about his final ball but correct me if im wrong, he was the second most fouled player in the league last season. How many of these were in the oppositions final third? He created an untold amount of chances this way
His dribbling and ability to hold up the ball offers the defence so much space and time to get set and has no small part in their good start to the season.
In short…..you havent a clue!!!
what drivel ypur entitled to your opinion but it is just yours. My opinion is that in the long term Mike Ashley will prove to be the best thing that happened to NUFC but I stress it is only my opinion and I would not claim it to be the opinion of the majority of fans,I might just be a minority of one.
Fatmike