Mike Williamson – The Unsung Hero? Newcastle’s back four and goalkeeper this season have received so many accolades and plaudits for their efforts, and rightly so. Fabricio Coloccini has been ‘Captain Fantastic’ in the middle, but not so much has been mentioned about his partner, Mike Williamson.
In the absence of Steven Taylor, Williamson has had to step up this season, and he has done spectacularly. While there was that one blemish on his record in giving away the penalty against Sunderland at St James’ Park for a tug on Michael Turner, by and large he has been dependable and strong when needed. Signed from Portsmouth in 2010 with the Magpies in the Championship, he hardly got the fans imaginations racing. But, at 6’4 he offers a commanding presence at the heart of the defence, and has made huge strides this season, without doubt. His performance on Wednesday night against Champions League finalists Chelsea was perhaps the crowning moment, and a sign that he should maybe start receiving more recognition for his performances.
He handled Torres and Drogba with consummate ease, and this also shows his potential versatility. When Spaniard Torres was deployed as the lone striker, Williamson recognized the difference in pace and defended deeper, meaning there was no space for the in-form number 9 to run in behind, and allowed Tiote to shut down the space in front of the back four. With Drogba, he got much tighter and allowed the Ivorian no space to ‘bully’ him, as well as dominating in the air. It was merely the latest great performance from the 28 year old, a real success story this season.
Tony Adams for Wycombe Wanderers once signed Williamson, and on evidence like this season there is certainly a touch on the way Adams used to play at Arsenal in his game. If Newcastle do make the Champions League this year, can they rely on players like Williamson to perform at the highest club level there is? There is definitely a question mark over this. However, what must be said is that without players in the mould of him, they wouldn’t even be near to achieving the previously unthinkable and securing a Champions League spot.
Here’s my top five Newcastle goals of the season :
1) Papiss Cisse vs Chelsea – A simply superb swerving volley to clinch a historic victory for Newcastle at Stamford Bridge. He had no right to take the shot on from the left hand side of the pitch, but try he did and just look at the outcome. A memorable effort in a memorable season.
2) Hatem Ben Arfa vs Bolton – In a drab game, the Frenchman produced an absolute stunner. Picking the ball up just inside his own half, Ben Arfa breezed past the Bolton midfield, through Reem and past Ricketts before slotting into the corner whilst a hapless Bogdan watched on. Even better as it set the Toon on the way to a vital three points.
3) Yohan Cabaye vs Manchester United – A stunning free-kick from the talismanic Frenchman, beating Lindergaard with a curler right from the top drawer. Using the wind to his advantage too, this one nestled right in the top corner.
4) Hatem Ben Arfa vs West Bromwich Albion – A scintillating counter-attack crowning with Ben Arfa dispatching the ball into Ben Foster’s net. A goal which summed up so much of Newcastle’s away form this season, clinical as ever. In truth, this goal and Cisse’s 2nd in the same game could have either made it in, both swift counter attacks carried out to perfection.
5) Ryan Taylor vs Sunderland – Way back in August now, for a Magpies side containing Joey Barton against the arch enemy managed by Steve Bruce, Taylor struck a majestic free-kick from an unlikely angle to provide all three points. It arrowed into the top corner and despite the best efforts of his namesake Steven to get a touch, the goal was all Ryan’s making. The start of a special season, and what a way to kick start it.
Get involved, think Williamson could star in Europe next season? What’s been your favourite goal this season in the North East?
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