First off: let me offer my hearty congratulations to Newcastle for another good result and a great start to the season. Whilst I recognise that things are going well at the moment, there’s always room for improvement and there’s one area in particular where I’d like to see Alan Pardew make a slight change.
When I look at Gabriel Obertan and how he has been playing in recent weeks I can’t help but feel that he’d be better utilised as an impact sub rather than a player who starts each and every game. If you watch him closely he always seems to grow into games as other players grow more tired. Wouldn’t it make more sense then, to chuck him on near the end of the game, so that he can attack full-backs with fresh legs?
I’m sure Newcastle fans will remember his impact against Arsenal when he came off the bench. Could Alan Pardew maximise Obertan’s output by limiting his exposure?
Against Tottenham he got into good positions and tracked back well throughout the entire game. Despite this I was conscious that he was growing in confidence and effectiveness as time ticked on.
He’s been given chances to prove himself at Newcastle and has yet to let himself or the club down. But with Ben Arfa and Marveaux both fit, I expect he’ll find himself on the bench. He might feel a little hard done by as a result, but it might not actually be a bad thing for his career.
It’s easy to forget that Obertan is a young player who didn’t really get a real look in at Manchester United. During his brief stay with Newcastle he has proved that he’s the real deal but that doesn’t necessarily make him a nailed on starter.
His age will stand him in good stead given that he has plenty of time to learn and develop and it will help that he’s involved in a squad full of quality players.
So do you agree that the time is right for Obertan to drop to the bench? Do you also agree that it might not be such a bad thing for the youngster? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
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I think you’ve been more than fair with the lad…I thought he was rubbish against spurs…he’s the fastest man on the park by a street mile and he didn’t once have the confidence to get in round the back where he’s most dangerous…it looked like he didn’t want to try and fail just in case the fans had a go at him so he did the wrong thing and kept on passing back turning attack into defence. He was scared and he obviously suffers with a lack of belief.
Now that ben Arfa is ready and marveaux looking so good, he will be dropped…and with a bit of luck we’ll drop Simpson as well and play santon at left back and R taylor at right back then we have a half decent set up and if we invest in a good right back in January we’ll be able to compete much better.
I agree 100%..He is a ‘fustrating talent’ he does so many things well and messes up at the end. In the wolves game he gave the ball away numerous times and made no attempt to block the cross that led to there goal. I definitely believe its time for Marvaeux to come in for him and Ben Arfa to come in for Besty. Playing Wigan next at home is a great time to throw Santon in aswell. Its a hard one because Simpson has done well but his final ball needs improving
Hello from greek toon army.i agree with your article and with mark also.obertan is a pacey player but he has some mental problems.sometimes is like confuse what to do.driblle or pass.and this is costly for the players coming from back and tired to make a 60metre run without meaning in the end.i agree that maybe with santon at the full back have more quality but the manager knows better things because of the every day involvement at the training ground.so we have to wait and see what he might have in his mind when all the new players adapts fully at the club.howey the lads!!!