Newsletter

Get your daily update and weekly newsletter by signing up today!

News

Who will prove to be Newcastle signing of the season?

9 years ago
Share

Who will prove to be Newcastle signing of the season?

Newcastle United, and Alan Pardew in particular, have endured a tough start to the season, which, on the one hand, could be expected due to the influx of new players joining the Toon over the summer.

However, a vital three points against Leicester has got the Magpies back on track, so which of the new signings have impressed so far and who will prove to be the signing of the season?

Daryl Janmaat – Defender

The former Feyenoord right back made the switch to St James Park with a glowing reputation as a fine International defender having been part of the Dutch squad that made the semi finals of the World Cup. Newcastle are sixth favourites with Betfair to be relegated but Janmaat’s arrival helps make this an unlikely bet, despite the current, precarious position.

The 25 year-old has been an ever present in the Newcastle backline and has already chipped in with a goal in the 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace. Daryl is a model of consistency but it might take some special performances for the right back to become Newcastle’s signing of the season.

Jack Colback – Midfielder

You have to applaud the bravery of the former Sunderland midfielder to make the switch to Newcastle on a free transfer over the summer. Jack has made no secret of his love for the Magpies and he has matched that with some commanding performances in the centre of the park.

Despite the 24 year-old English midfielder making over 100 appearances for Sunderland, he could be a Newcastle icon in the making. Jack’s tireless work rate and protection of the back four gives Pardew’s more creative players license to roam.

The Daily Mail compared Colback’s switch to Newcastle on a par with Sol Campbell’s transfer to Arsenal from Spurs, he could prove some signing if living up to that billing.

Remy Cabella – Attacking Midfielder

Cabella excited the Newcastle fans on his debut with some dazzling touches and he played every minute of their first three league games. However, he has struggled to make any kind of impact since then and has yet to register a goal.

The Toon fans do love a maverick in midfield but Cabella has a long way to go to match any of the previous Geordie icons, although the potential is simmering under the surface.

There is no doubt about the talent of Cabella, but the question remains will he make a positive impact as the season wears on?

Emmanuel Riviere – Striker

Comparisons can be drawn between Riviere and his compatriot Remy Cabella. Both are 24 years old and have the potential to be a Toon hero. There does; however, appear to be a period where both are adjusting to life in the Premier League.

Riviere may not be the most prolific of strikers, although he did have his most successful season last term scoring 10 goals in 30 matches for Monaco, but there is scope for improvement and he can also play out on the wing – which gives Pardew another option if Papiss Cisse is preferred through the centre.

The Frenchman scored a brace in the League Cup but has yet to get off the mark in the Premiership and the former Monaco striker will need to knuckle down if he is to play a key part in Newcastle’s season.

Siem De Jong – Midfielder

The Newcastle number 10 has been very unfortunate with injuries since arriving at St James Park and has played just 99 minutes of their Premier League campaign to date.

Nevertheless, De Jong arrives with an impressive CV and footballing education from Ajax. He likes to play behind the strikers and has an eye for goal – his strike rate in Holland was around one goal in every three games – so the talent is there. It just seems a case of will he actually be fit enough to make a telling contribution for Alan Pardew’s side?

Siem is likely to be out until Christmas so he will really need to hit the ground running in the New Year to have any chance to be considered Newcastle’s signing of the season.

 

Share

If you would like to feature on The Mag, submit your article to contribute@themag.co.uk

Have your say

© 2024 The Mag. All Rights Reserved. Design & Build by Mediaworks