A lot of Newcastle United fans are split on claims that Isaac Hayden is underrated.
Some Newcastle supporters believe that the 24-year-old is criminally underrated and should be in the England squad while others think that he is average at best.
Hayden put in an excellent performance on Saturday, and this led to a heated debate on Twitter.
Does Hayden deserve an England call-up?
Yes, he has developed so much as a player
No, he is not good enough
Many Toon supporters feel that Hayden is not given the credit that he deserves.
Unpopular opinion:
Isaac Hayden is criminally underrated and one of the best defensive midfielders in the premier league.
Thoughts?
— Dazza (@NUFC_DazzaD) December 1, 2019
Just the facts. Our most consistent player
— Keithy boy (@YedlinsDa) December 1, 2019
The best English one by miles. Consistently too.
— Paul White Photo (@PaulWhitePhoto) December 1, 2019
He’s some player mate, not one of the best but very good!
— AP (@amannufc) December 1, 2019
Agreed. The lad barely got a mention for what was another rock solid performance. Deserves a call up IMO.
— Jason (@JasonSewell11) December 2, 2019
Other Newcastle supporters, though, don’t seem to rate Hayden that highly.
Give owa. He belongs nowhere near the England side either. He’s a fairly solid player who has found a bit if consistency and that’s the end of it. Players don’t go from shite to England after a few decent shifts.
— Gz (@gazm85) December 1, 2019
Off the ball he’s brilliant, not good enough on it
— Jamie Elliott (@wantabiggerboat) December 2, 2019
No. Not even close. He has looked much better this season in some games and in others a total liability. Shelvey is the one for plaudits in my view. Has improved again.
— Cathal Mulkere (@CotchRealtDearg) December 2, 2019
Couldn’t disagree more. Personally think he is a poor footballer. Offers little other than a couple of tackles per game. Not enough for current premier League football. League One player.
— Mark Richardson (@MarkRichardso15) December 2, 2019
What do we think?
Hayden, who is valued at £9m by Transfermarkt, has played 107 games for Newcastle, and in less than a year, he has gone from fourth-choice to one of Newcastle’s guaranteed starters, and he has managed this with hard work and the ability to break up play.
He also has invested himself in the North East and despite family problems now seems to be settled on Tyneside.
Hayden isn’t too bad on the ball, as a passing success rate of 78.7% shows, but will he ever be good enough for England?
To be honest, it is probably better for Newcastle that he doesn’t get called up for England as this could lead to less interest in his services.
He is a player who Newcastle should respect in terms of his time with the club, as he has grown as a footballer and is now a key member of their starting XI.