I think it’s fair to say that Newcastle United’s James Perch isn’t everybody’s cup of tea. The 26-year-old defender has player has made 36 appearances for the Magpies and generally inspired either apathy or disappointment from fans. Of course, he has received plenty of Press for his role in Pepe Reina’s sending off on Sunday afternoon but even without this standout moment, I still feel he put in a noteworthy performance.
Let’s forget about the fact that he went down a little easily under Pepe Reina’s advances and let’s focus on the fact that he had Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll (who was desperate to impress against his old club) in his pocket and has put a number of impressive performances in the latter half of this season.
At 26-years-old I think just about every fan has been impressed with his rate of development this season. Perhaps he feels more settled, perhaps he’s enjoying playing under Alan Pardew, or perhaps he’s made the step up thanks to encouragement from defensive personnel embedded at the club. Whatever it is, Newcastle are profiting as a result.
All of a sudden he has mastered the art of tackling. Whilst Fabricio Coloccini may be the best tackler at the club, Perch is certainly starting to give him a run for his money. He’s got the timing down, isn’t afraid to get stuck in and usually comes away with the ball. Perfect.
He’s likely improved because his reading of the game is so finely attuned and his reactions are so quick. That’s why he always seems to get in the way of the opposition, throw his body on the line and make important interceptions.
He’s also got better in the air despite the fact that he’s less than six foot tall. What he lacks in stature he makes up with leap.
Slowly but surely he’s developing into a great defensive all-rounder. He’s physically and tactically strong and he’s clearly got the right mentality (he’s been biding his time well and waiting for opportunities without complaint) so it seems that Newcastle have a real gem on their hands.
For me he’s one of the biggest surprises of a surprising Newcastle season and that just goes to show how far he has come over the last the last couple of years. He’s still very much viewed as a squad player, but should he continue to develop at this rate there’s no telling where he’ll end up.
What’s your take? Has James Perch impressed you this season?
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