COMMENTARY
While Newcastle United fans might not have had much to celebrate this season, the one thing that is clear as day is that most, if not all of the first team have the heart and passion to battle until the end for the Toon Army.
For those in the St James’ Park stands, that effort and work rate is perhaps admired more than pure talent, and is the reason why the likes of Paul Dummett remain at the club while Florian Thauvin saw his time on Tyneside cut short.
It is why full back Daryl Janmaat divided opinion so much during his two seasons at the club, with the clear talent but a lack of passion to commit to the cause week in, week out, with claims he once got sent off on purpose and broke his hand in frustration, leaving him sidelined.
Now, speaking about his time at current club Watford, the Dutch defender stated – as quoted by Oddschanger: “It’s massively different to my former club. Newcastle fans expect too much and can moan quickly.”
?? Daryl Janmaat on atmosphere at Vicarage Road:
?? "It’s massively different to my former club. Newcastle fans expect too much and can moan quickly."#WatfordFC #NUFC pic.twitter.com/G3iWdHp3ik
— ? Tommy's Darts Tips (@TommysDartsTips) November 21, 2018
His comments have riled up the Toon Army on Twitter, with many slaughtering him for his lack of passion while at the club and insisting they were only left moaning because they were in the midst of a relegation battle – Janmaat being part of the problem.
To be fair, the current squad look to have belief in not only themselves but each other and that was something Janmaat never showed, so the fans may well have a point with their ferocious responses.
This is Futbol has gathered a selection of the supporters’ tweets:
Tell you what we expect Daryl. Someone not to hide. Not to be relegated. Not to be sent off deliberately or to feign injury. A player who is prepared to give 100%, 100% of the time. Not disappear when the going gets tough. That's all. Sorry if that sounds like I'm moaning. Idiot https://t.co/1IL5d0WC9X
— Mitch (@geordiedentist) November 22, 2018
@daryljanmaat89 I remember when @Lascelles16 sussed you out in no time, soft lad.
— John (@1892JP) November 21, 2018
Nothing to do with the fact that there was players like janmatt that had no heart and zero effort, it’s players like him that got us relegated and then he refused to play in the championship, classy player and a classy guy!! Not!!!!
— Chris Cossey (@Cosseycj) November 22, 2018
couldn’t handle the pressure, and the reason he’ll never succeed at a big club. has the talent but that attitude ?
— Phil (@Seubz) November 21, 2018
https://twitter.com/Tim_AshleyOut/status/1065388529340039171
Expect too much? 2 seasons he played, survived relegation on the last day of his first season and relegated in his second season. Typical modern day footballer, detached from true reality!
— Chris Greevaaa (@chrisgreva) November 22, 2018
This is what Newcastle fans thought of Janmaat even on his rare good days. Unlikely he was ever gonna have anything positive to say.#NUFC pic.twitter.com/8m9IUMTYdG
— D.C.G (@DeeCeeGee89) November 21, 2018