Newsletter

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

News

Jonas Gutierrez – The Direct Route To Success

12 years ago
Share

Jonas Gutierrez is a player that fans have come to respect at St.James’ Park but he is also one of the most frustrating.

I don’t think I have ever seen a player prepared to work harder than the Argentinian, particularly in terms of wingers, but his end product all too often doesn’t match up.

Many fans hope that his crossing will magically improve but I think at this stage of his career he isn’t going to suddenly become a Ginola or Robert in terms of picking out his man from way out wide.

With Alan Pardew demanding more threat from all over the pitch, rather than just his strikers, I think Jonas should be told to take the quickest route to the penalty area rather than his usual round the houses (several times!).

In the season just ended, Gutierrez was the most fouled player in the Premier League, winning 86 free-kicks against the opposition.

If Jonas could get in the box more then it seems obvious to me that with his awkward running style as he twists and turns, Newcastle would massively improve their total of penalties. This season Newcastle converted only two penalties in the Premier League which is a major handicap when you are trying to compete against those clubs at the top.

Of course it isn’t just penalties where Jonas can improve his goal threat, when you look at the quality of his three goals in the past year against Blackburn in the cup and Wolves home & away, there is real quality when he goes direct.

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