Coming Home Newcastle - Eleven Days of Newcastle: Position by Position PreviewA prudent and measured bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48541/cominghome-fave.png2013-08-19T15:23:22+01:00http://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/rss/stream/43785372013-08-19T15:23:22+01:002013-08-19T15:23:22+01:00Leading the Attack: Papiss, Loïc and Shola
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<img alt="Yeah... we feel that way too, Shola" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ga41rSWKdahCgkxZfyOC3i3np8E=/0x0:531x354/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/18096189/gyi0064174632.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Yeah... we feel that way too, Shola | Shaun Botterill</figcaption>
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<p>For a season and a half, Newcastle were sitting pretty up top with Ba or Cissé banging goals in for fun... until they sold Demba #1 to Chelsea.</p> <p>There is little doubt that Papiss Cissé is going to be given yards of rope. The most expensive purchase of the 2011 January transfer window was given the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a> No. 9 shirt and lived up to every bit of expectation that came with it in the second half of that season. The 2012/13 season was a different matter.</p>
<p>It was never likely that the form that Papiss was in that led to *that* goal against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> would be continued (at least at that rate), but in the perfect storm that was injury and drop of form to nearly every player in the Newcastle squad, the lack of goal scoring in the 2012-13 season was exaggerated beyond the reality. The service quality that was present in the 2011-12 season was largely not present, not to mention that for the first half of the season the "Striker preference" switch for the service that was available to the strikers until January was turned to "<span>Demba Ba</span>".</p>
<p>The theme running through these previews applies to Mr. Cissé as well - any success for Newcastle United this season will be dependent upon his return to form closer to 2011/12 than last season. It's not as though he has forgotten how to score goals (or for that matter, un-learned the offside rule. Let's be honest, as much of that depends on service as positioning from Papiss). His propensity to score the spectacular last season while missing the clinical is what must happen less.</p>
<h4>Loïc Rémy</h4>
<p>Most famous for being the one that got away in January (reportedly on the strength of a FIFA game with QPR owner Tony Fernandes and nothing to do with obscene wage numbers), Loïc is a player who could play a very big role for Newcastle this season. Scoring 6 times in 14 matches for an abject QPR side has shown that the Premier League stage and competition level is one at which he can find comfort and success - and with Bedo Fif's failure to strengthen the position with permanent transfers over the summer, we may depend on it. If he ever gets healthy, that is. Latest reports have indicated that Rémy will miss at least the first month of the season.</p>
<h4><span>Shola Ameobi</span></h4>
<p>Shola has made a career's worth of reputation out of a famous goal against Barcelona at the Bernabéu as a 21 year old. Since then, he has failed to deliver on what Toon fans had hoped he would become, scoring double digits only twice in his career - once in the Championship season. Perhaps the most encouraging development for those Shola fans out there, however, was the 31-year old earning his first cap for Nigeria. He has become, then, another of the players who will be looking to impress in order to earn a potential trip to Brazil for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-cup-2014">World Cup</a> 2014. It would not be surprising to see a motivated (!) Ameobi in the time that he may get this season.</p>
<h4><span>Haris Vučkić</span></h4>
<p>Haris is a name that has floated around the senior squad for seemingly forever... enough so that the fact he is 20 years old may surprise some like it does me on a regular basis. Often considered as an AM, it has looked more likely that he will be considered in a more CF type of role. In the preseason and action for the reserves this preseason, he has looked impressive and given glimpses of fulfilling his promise. If he can stay healthy, he should feature regularly, potentially as a substitute as well as a more prominent role in the Cups.</p>
<h4>Adam Campbell</h4>
<p>If actions speak louder than words, it seems that <span>Vučkić has, at least temporarily, overtaken Campbell in Alan Pardew's reckoning. Adam was regularly in matchday squads and did get some run in the Premier League. Although he has been loaned out for the early season</span><span> (1 month) </span><span>, it is probable that he will return to a similar position in the senior squad, but largely in a substitute role.</span></p>
<p><strike>Bafétimbi Gomis</strike></p>
<p><strike>Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang</strike></p>
https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/2013/8/19/4636026/position-by-position-preview-strikerJim McMeachin2013-08-19T00:15:05+01:002013-08-19T00:15:05+01:00Position Preview: Left Wing Players
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2smqKtW77gdq1VPeBIf0xzj4tr0=/0x0:998x665/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/18073465/135453279.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jamie McDonald</figcaption>
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<p>Will Alan Pardew stick with his blind faith in Jonas Gutierrez? (Spoiler Alert: Yeah... probably)</p> <p>Alan Pardew has exhibited the fact that he holds a completely different interpretation of what should happen at the LM/LW position than a very vocal section of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a> support, and he it would be a surprise if he diverged from his very solidly set in stone ideas.</p>
<h4>Jonas Gutierrez</h4>
<p>In last year's positional preview, Robert wrote of Jonas:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Jonas Gutierrez is perpetually underrated by the Toon Army because he doesn't produce much on the back end, but he covers over his deficiencies with bucketloads of creativity and fancy footwork. He's a true box-to-box midfielder, often assisting the fullback on his side with his defensive responsibilities. Whenever Newcastle are having trouble moving the ball through the midfield, Jonas becomes the outlet. The majority of their attack flows through the left side, and he is the reason.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>While there may not be as much rampant underrating of Jonas by the Toon Army - few don't at least respect or recognize the graft that the Argentine puts in - there is a more vocal section that believe that the club's answers in the left of midfield lie decidedly elsewhere.</p>
<h4><span>Sylvain Marveaux</span></h4>
<p>Sylvain is another of those players that has shown flashes of greatness, but has been kept from a consistent place in the starting lineup by injuries and <span>Alan Pardew's</span> blind loyalty to Jonas. Although holding some similarities to Gutierrez on the attacking end (though to be fair it seems we see less and less of the scintillating stuff from Jonas as the days go by), Sylvain is a marked downgrade to the general integrity of the defense on the left side of the formation. Although he does manage to make it back into defense from time to time, he is neither as diligent nor as capable as the Argentine. Much like his countryman <span>Hatem Ben Arfa</span> on the other side of the formation, Marveaux would thrive in the 4-2-3-1 if Alan Pardew actualy allowed the wings in that formation to do what they are meant to do - drift inside and provide secondary attacking threat behind the striker.</p>
<h4><span>Yoan Gouffran</span></h4>
<p>Although Moussa Sissoko made the biggest splash among the January signings with his brace against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a>, Yoan Gouffran would have to be considered the most consistently influential. With Papiss Cissé likely to have a strangle hold on the striking position, Gouffran looks set to be employed in a wide position from the left as he was last year, whether that be wide left in the 4-2-3-1 or on the left of the front line in a 4-3-3. Either way, he brings a similar skill set as Sylvain Marveuax to the left. Both have strength in the attack while Marveaux has the edge with regard to crossing (I know... I know...) while Gouffran brings a slightly better positional awareness (he is a forward, after all) and a better presence in the air. Although I have ordered these previews in a depth-chart style order (most likely to start to least likely), this is a position where you could see any of these three guys in the starting lineup at any particular point during the season.</p>
<h4><span>Sammy Ameobi</span></h4>
<p>Each season, Sammy appears to be closer and closer to making an impact for the senior squad. While he may get a good look in early round cup competitions, unless there is a drastic injury crisis ahead of him, but at least you can say this about him... he didn't get farmed out on season-long loan to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/birmingham">Birmingham City</a> like CHN darling <span>Shane Ferguson</span> did. For the first time in the last couplel seasons, however, it doesn't seem like he is the Ameobi most likely to have a meaningful impact on the clubs fortunes.</p>
<h4>More from Coming Home Newcastle:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/19/4634476/Newcastle-united-Gutierrez-Marveaux-Gouffran-Ameobi-Sammy-Left-Midfield-Wing-Preview?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Position By Position Preview: Left Midfield/Wing</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/18/4632214/Newcastle-Cabaye-transfer-Sissoko-anita-gosling-United?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Position By Position Preview: Central Midfielder</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/18/4631702/newcastle-united-hatem-ben-arfa-preview-right-midfield-wing-obertan-sissoko-gutierrez-amalfitano?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Position by Position Preview: Right Midfield/Wing</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/18/4632826/keep-your-enemies-closer-q-a-with-manchester-city-blog-bitter-blue?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Keep Your Enemies Closer: Q&A with Manchester City blog Bitter & Blue</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/18/4633120/predictors-league-is-back-newcastle-nufc-manchester-city?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Predictor's League is Back! </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/17/4629046/newcastle-united-nufc-premier-league-season-preview-2013-14?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Newcastle United 2013-14 Season Preview Roundtable</a></li>
</ul>
https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/2013/8/19/4634476/Newcastle-united-Gutierrez-Marveaux-Gouffran-Ameobi-Sammy-Left-Midfield-Wing-PreviewJim McMeachin2013-08-18T07:00:04+01:002013-08-18T07:00:04+01:00Who Shall Feed Papiss
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3jjQEeNb4eu_Fu6kb_9w0HUzfd8=/0x80:2463x1722/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/18037039/162505480.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matthew Lewis</figcaption>
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<p>In the Alan Pardew Era, Newcastle United have stockpiled central midfielders, so there are plenty to choose from.</p> <p>The summer transfer window has seen the departure of <span>Mehdi Abeid</span> to Panathinaikos, the protracted yet inevitable departure of former Wor Jackie youth player or the year <span>Bradden Inman</span> to Crewe Alexandria (Inman is out of contract, but due to his age, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a> are due compensation if a club sign him. Alex have made 4 bids to settle this requirement, the last of which has seemingly not been reacted to by Bedo Fif. If Newcastle reject the latest offer, the matter can go through an arbitration process or the interested club can well... drop their interest) and the very near departure of <span>Dan Gosling</span> to Crystal Palace. Though the names will have changed slightly here, the preview of the position will read in a rather familiar fashion.</p>
<h4><span>Yohan Cabaye</span></h4>
<p>Constantly the object of media speculation because it's easy, it seems unlikely that any of the rumors will come through prior to the closing of the summer transfer window. The larger question surrounding Cabaye will be whether Alan Pardew will find a formation / tactic / way to use him that will allow him to scale the heights of form that he did in the 11/12 season as opposed to the shadow of what we know he can be that we saw in the 12/13 season. For large sections of the 12/13 season, Alan Pardew played a 4-2-3-1 formation with Cabaye next to Tiote just ahead of the defense. It did not seem to suit him.</p>
<p>Surely his game suffered at the lack of form from his team mates (or vice versa), but at his very best, he can unlock Premier League defenses with deceptive ease. If he even takes half a step back towards his 2011/12 form, a top half finish would be much much more likely. And because it really is the Best Pass In The History Of Ever™, watch this:</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rMJUyCB90yM" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe> <br id="1376791871933"></p>
<h4><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110244/moussa-sissoko">Moussa Sissoko</a></h4>
<p>Moussa is the new name in the CM equation compared to the opening of the 12/13 season. The January purchase announced his presence in the Premier League with a debut brace against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> as well as beating <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Ashley Cole</span></span><span> </span>in a 3/4 pitch sprint for a loose ball. These two things stuck in <span>Alan Pardew's</span> head and so of course it is clear that Moussa is a natural number 10 / winger. As the good feeling from the January injection wore off, however, Moussa showed more and more to not, in fact, be a natural number 10 player. He would likely benefit from a shift back the pitch somewhat... beside <span>Cheik Tiote</span>, for instance, if we must persist in the 4-2-3-1, pushing Yohan Cabaye a little up the pitch (probably not in a natural 10 either, but closer than he was asked to do last year). Moussa is not a second string player by any means... it's more of a 1 / 1A situation that you'd hope Pardew can figure a way to play them both in positions in which they can succeed.</p>
<h4><span>Vurnon Anita</span></h4>
<p>As mentioned in the CDM preview, Vurnon Anita was viewed by most (including the club, you might think) as an eventual replacement for Cheik Tiote if and when he eventually moves on. It became clear that Anita is not exactly equipped to be a successful holding midfielder in the Premier League, however... but by the same token, he exhibited enough vision and skill that he should really be considered in this particular discussion as well. Frankly, the world sees fit to shock me and exhibit to me my lack of knowing of things and sell Yohan Cabaye, Anita is one of the reasons I feel we would be able to survive. He is quick, has good vision and can pick a pass in the attack. If given an extended chance, he would certainly convert many doubters into believers.</p>
<h4>Dan Gosling</h4>
<p>Newcastle United made a lot of people mad when we poached Gosling from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> through a strange contract issue. Like really mad. Since then, he has struggled with injury and been sat on the bench behind the likes of Danny Guthrie, leading up to his bizarre move/non-move to Crystal Palace this summer. Whatever happened in that failed move, what is undeniable is that he has returned to Tyneside <i>en fuego</i> as we cool cats used to say in the 90s. He has scored and scored and scored this pre-season, in closed-door friendlies and for the Reserves and made a very strong case to get first team consideration. While he may not get quite as much of that as he might like, you have to think that he's made enough of a statement that he'll see extended time in any cup run that we might manage - and enough so that Alan Pardew will probably think twice about risking Cabaye and/or Sissoko even in later stages of those competitions.</p>
<h4><span>Romain Amalfitano</span></h4>
<p>Romain was my #2 standout performer from last year's preseason. Alan Pardew has not exhibited any desire to play him since that time, however... and for some reason, we persist in paying him.</p>
<h4>More from Coming Home Newcastle:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/17/4629046/newcastle-united-nufc-premier-league-season-preview-2013-14?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Newcastle United 2013-14 Season Preview Roundtable</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/18/4631702/newcastle-united-hatem-ben-arfa-preview-right-midfield-wing-obertan-sissoko-gutierrez-amalfitano?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Position by Position Preview: Right Midfield/Wing</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/16/4628128/Newcastle-preview-defensive-midfield-Tiote-Bigirimana-Anita?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Position By Position Preview: Defensive Midfield</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/17/4628020/its-here-kickoff-saturday-open-thread?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">It's here....Kickoff Saturday Open Thread</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/16/4628988/premier-league-2013-14-team-preview-chelsea-jose-mourinho-thibaut-courtois-demba-ba-wayne-rooney?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Premier League 2013-14 Team-By-Team Preview: Chelsea</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/16/4628940/premier-league-2013-14-team-preview-liverpool-luis-suarez-simon-mignolet?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Premier League 2013-14 Team-By-Team Preview: Liverpool</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/newcastle-united-transfer-rumors-2013/2013/8/17/4631248/alessandro-matri-transfer-rumours-newcastle-united?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Alessandro Matri Newcastle United's newest striker target?</a></li>
</ul>
https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/2013/8/18/4632214/Newcastle-Cabaye-transfer-Sissoko-anita-gosling-UnitedJim McMeachin2013-08-18T00:00:01+01:002013-08-18T00:00:01+01:00The Hatem Ben Arfa Position
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<img alt="Save Gaby." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/p5DApsx3H6Q7zYANR_HXVVYyY4M=/0x96:511x437/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/18027327/gyi0063631383.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Save Gaby. | Michael Regan</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There's an incumbent, a player who would be out of position and two players Alan Pardew apparently doesn't trust.</p> <p>Let's be honest. As long as he is healthy, for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a> United's purposes this position is called "<span>Hatem Ben Arfa</span>". Or Hatem Benafree if your name happens to be Bedo Fif. He of the tantalizing skills and sky high potential who can beat entire teams on a single run, make defenders leave their jock straps on the field as they look back bemused at the ball resting in the back of their net and all that.</p>
<h4>Hatem Ben Arfa</h4>
<p>The largest question with Ben Arfa is whether or not he can manage to stay healthy. The start of his health issues was not something of his own making. It was, of course, the smooth tackling stylings of Nigel "The Butcher" De Jong who broke the Toon player's leg in two places. Followed by the smooth tackling stylings of <span>Roger Espinoza</span> that damaged his ankle. Then it was a hamstring issue that would never really completely heal. The bottom line is that it's very hard to build up a lot of trust that he will be in the lineup on a consistent basis. But:</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/EMlZwcQMWyE" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe> <br id="1376775913488"></p>
<p>and also:</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/wyuYZ3gMRvk" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe> <br id="1376776005409"></p>
<p>Despite his propensity for going invisible for large stretches of matches, the times that he exerts himself are so soo special that it makes it worth having him on the pitch. Additionally, when you've got <span>Mathieu Debuchy</span> willing to pick up where you might miss Ben Arfa on some of his forays into a more central position and provide width in the attack, you're still in decent stead. Beyond his electric skills and attacking prowess, there's very little that <span>Alan Pardew</span> seems to trust behind him with regards to the squad.</p>
<h4>Jonas Gutierrez</h4>
<p>Rather like the situation with Mathieu Debuchy at RB, an injury to HBA will likely lead to multiple moves - the first potentially being to shift Jonas Gutierrez across from the left to the right. Although he has largely seemed to lack the attacking skill that he exhibited in younger days following the 11/12 season where he was frequently asked to help on the defensive end with <span>Ryan Taylor</span> and a young <span>Davide Santon</span>. You know that you're going to get an honest shift from Jonas one way or the other and in spite of popular opinion in the fan base, Pardew still looks ready to rely heavily upon the Argentine who until so recently (when he retired it) was known as Spiderman.</p>
<h4><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110244/moussa-sissoko">Moussa Sissoko</a></h4>
<p>What's that you say? Moussa is a central midfielder? He's not a right wing at all? Well... that's what we all are saying... yet if the preseason is any indication (which it's really not, right <span>Romain Amalfitano</span>?), Alan Pardew has at least some idea that he will be able to employ the January purchase in just that position. I don't even really want to consider this any more, so we'll move on to the next possibility.</p>
<h4><span>Gabriel Obertan</span></h4>
<p>Once purchased by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a>, alumn of the prestigious Clairefontaine Academy in France and still only 24 years old, Obertan has not been able to hold down a regular place since his move to England. In the absence of Hatem Ben Arfa at the beginning of the 11/12 season, he did get a series of starts (in which the club went on an amazing run of undefeatedness), but when Ben Arfa returned to health, he was sat back on the bench and has pretty much been there ever since. Although he possesses decent pace, he tends to get lost in the final third on the wing - unable to cross as effectively as you might hope for. Frankly,<a target="_blank" href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/5/9/4203268/the-curious-case-of-gabriel-obertan-the-wing-wizard-that-wasnt"> I believe that there are better uses for Gaby..</a>. but what do I know?</p>
<h4>Romain Amalfitano</h4>
<p>In the very early stages of the 11/12 preseason, Amalfitano saw some run out at a RW position and looked pretty effective. Alan Pardew might... barhrhrhahahahahahahaha. Um yeah. I'm not sure why we're still paying him.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>More from Coming Home Newcastle:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/17/4629046/newcastle-united-nufc-premier-league-season-preview-2013-14?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Newcastle United 2013-14 Season Preview Roundtable</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/16/4626096/newcastle-united-left-backs-young-but-talented?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Newcastle United Left Backs: Young But Talented</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/16/4628128/Newcastle-preview-defensive-midfield-Tiote-Bigirimana-Anita?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Position By Position Preview: Defensive Midfield</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/newcastle-united-transfer-rumors-2013/2013/8/17/4631248/alessandro-matri-transfer-rumours-newcastle-united?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Alessandro Matri Newcastle United's newest striker target?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/17/4628020/its-here-kickoff-saturday-open-thread?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">It's here....Kickoff Saturday Open Thread</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/16/4628988/premier-league-2013-14-team-preview-chelsea-jose-mourinho-thibaut-courtois-demba-ba-wayne-rooney?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Premier League 2013-14 Team-By-Team Preview: Chelsea</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/16/4628940/premier-league-2013-14-team-preview-liverpool-luis-suarez-simon-mignolet?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Premier League 2013-14 Team-By-Team Preview: Liverpool</a></li>
</ul>
https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/2013/8/18/4631702/newcastle-united-hatem-ben-arfa-preview-right-midfield-wing-obertan-sissoko-gutierrez-amalfitanoJim McMeachin2013-08-16T20:00:05+01:002013-08-16T20:00:05+01:00CDM/Holding Midfield Not Deep For NUFC
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mU07-S5sgCNq0-Hto24XdGBBvfw=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17976009/158798885.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Clive Mason</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The holding midfield position on the pitch pretty well defined by two players for Newcastle United.</p> <p>The questions regarding the Defensive/holding midfield position for the 2013-14 edition of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a> United do not at all revolve around "who' but are more in the vein of "if". Since his purchase from FC Twente in August of 2010, he has been as ever-present as injury, suspensions and the "we're going to switch the pattern of the Africa Cup of Nations so we'll just have it every year for a while" situation have allowed. Tiote is about as divisive a character as there is in the current squad. Folks either love him or loathe him.</p>
<p>Make no mistake - when Cheik Tiote is at his very best and is not encumbered by his reputation with the Premier League refs (who seem to card him based on reputation instead of what has actually occurred on the pitch) he is nearly without peer at the holding midfield position. /Aside: Ref prejudice case in point: I believe it was Howard Webb who watched a situation, blew for a foul and then several beats later, after seeing Tiote's number, pulled the yellow card./ When the Newcastle defense has been at its best over the past two years, it is no coincidence that Tiote is playing at his best in front of them.</p>
<p>The difficulty with Chiek is that when he is off, he is really off. He mistimes challenges, which is a problem when refs are looking for a reason to card you anyway. When he is off, it would not by hyperbole to say he is terrible on the ball. Frequently last season you would see him being dispossessed in the Newcastle half of the field (or make a bad pass to turn the ball over) which would turn into a goal-scoring opportunity for the opposition. If Tiote doesn't get back to his best... it's pretty thin if you're set on playing a CDM.</p>
<h4>Gaël Bigirimana</h4>
<p>Bigi has been picking up call-up after call-up for the England U21s (if not cap after cap) and really sits as the only true CDM on the roster for Newcastle at this point. The early summer sale of cult favorite <span>James Perch</span> seems to be an implicit endorsement by the club of exactly where they feel he is development-wise and he certainly showed flashes of why they might feel that way in some of the playing time he was given in the 2012-13 season. He to this point is still the only player I've ever heard of that is willing to take Cheik Tiote on in training... so that's got to say something, right?</p>
<p>The difficulty with Bigi is that he was sometimes exposed by better opposition - perhaps not in terms of skill or knowledge but maybe more in terms of the naivety of youth. (For instance, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2012/12/27/3808074/NUFC-Newcastle-MUFC-Manchester-United-4-3-goals">the second goal in the December match v. Man Utd</a>) If he is able to get up to speed, you really wouldn't feel very bad about him stepping in for Tiote.</p>
<h4><span>Vurnon Anita</span></h4>
<p>The purchase of the Dutch midfielder from Ajax was immediately interpreted by Newcastle supporters as paving the way for <span>Cheik Tiote's</span> departure. Two things have happened since then. 1) Cheik Tiote has not left. 2) Vurnon Anita has been shown to not be a CDM. Part of this is they physicality of the Premier League. Part of this is that he has exhibited other skills - attacking prowess, movement... ability to pick out passes and play useful attacking balls. <span>Alan Pardew</span> is stubborn, but I don't think that he is that stubborn.</p>
<h4>More from Coming Home Newcastle:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/16/4626232/premier-league-american-team-comparisons-newcastle-united?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Newcastle United aren't anybody else: When comparing Premier League teams to their American counterparts goes wrong</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/16/4628940/premier-league-2013-14-team-preview-liverpool-luis-suarez-simon-mignolet?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Premier League 2013-14 Team-By-Team Preview: Liverpool</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/16/4626096/newcastle-united-left-backs-young-but-talented?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Newcastle United Left Backs: Young But Talented</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/15/4622958/premier-league-2013-14-team-preview-tottenham-hotspur-roberto-soldado-paulinho-hugo-lloris?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Premier League 2013-14 Team-By-Team Preview: Tottenham Hotspur</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/13/4617568/fabricio-coloccini-newcastle-defenders-preview-Taylor-Yanga-Mbiwa-Williamson?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Fabricio Coloccini And His Band Of Merry Men - Eleven Days of Newcastle #3: Center Back</a></li>
</ul>
https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/2013/8/16/4628128/Newcastle-preview-defensive-midfield-Tiote-Bigirimana-AnitaJim McMeachin2013-08-16T06:11:03+01:002013-08-16T06:11:03+01:00Newcastle's Left Backs - Young and Talented
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JvYssvVNB9bWxp_GUHJFq3efKl8=/166x0:3833x2445/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17938195/163688642.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stu Forster</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The left back position is the youngest in the entire Newcastle United squad - but is arguably one of the most talented as well. </p> <p>When he was purchased in August of 2011, <span>Davide Santon</span> was clearly the future for Newcastle at LB. With 40 appearances for Inter Milan with many coming under current <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> boss <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/jose-mourinho">Jose Mourinho</a>, it was certainly an exciting future. Unavailable for the early part of 2011/12 due to a lingering knee injury, he would overtake <span>Ryan Taylor</span> by the end of the season and his position would be solidified in the very early stages of 2012/13 as Taylor would be sidelined by a knee injury suffered in the Europa League playoff tie v. Atromitos.</p>
<p>In his time as the starter at left back for Newcastle, the 22-year old Italian has largely been impressive. On average, he has been "good enough" defensively speaking - his bad games have been very bad, usually, but his good games are more frequent and his best performances are better than his bad are bad. In fact, according to Squawka.com's measurements, Santon was responsible for 5 "defensive errors", of which 3 lead to goals for the opposition. When the mistakes come, they are big more often than not. Perhaps the most consistently good part of his game has been his willingness and execution in jumping into the attack. Much like <span>Mathieu Debuchy</span> on the opposite side, Santon's role is to defend as well as possible while being a general nuisance to the opposing team. Although he has not perhaps been as effective/active as you might hope crossing the ball, it is important to take into account that as a right-footed left back, his preference is usually to turn inside around the top of the 18 yard box and look for a pass... which is not a bad thing as he completes roughly 85% of his passes an average of one scoring chance per match.</p>
<p>Assuming he stays healthy, expect Davide to get the lions share of the playing time at LB.</p>
<h4>Massadio Haïdara</h4>
<p>Part of the purchasing spree that Mike Ashley somehow saw his way clear to approve in January of 2013, Haïdara looked to be another in the mold of Gaël Bigirimana - a very young, highly rated talent purchased at a relatively high price for a young player meant to fill the gaps left by a failing Academy process. The comparisons don't stop there, however. The young Frenchman was give some chances in the Premier League as the Europa League campaign stretched on and he showed absolutely no sign that the stage was too big for him - and but for <span>Callum McManaman's</span> horror tackle would likely have seen more action than he did.</p>
<p>In the matches he did get to play, Haïdara looked composed and confident with the ball at his feet and also exhibited skill in jumping forward in the attack, counting 2 key passes in his 4 appearances and 91% passing accuracy.</p>
<p>Although there have been some rumors that Massadio would be loaned out for part or all of this season, it would surprise me if he were - frankly I wouldn't be surprised if he sees some time in the league and is the preferred left back for the early rounds of the cup competitions.</p>
<h4><span>Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa</span></h4>
<p>As I mentioned in the center back preview, MYM spent a short but very successful spell at the LB position for <span>Alan Pardew</span> in the latter stages of the 2012-13 season. If it somehow comes down to it, I would expect to see Yanga-Mbiwa next in the reckoning. We know he can put in a solid shift there, but it would take two injuries one way or the other for him to be pressed into service outside of the CB position this year (Santon/Haïdara or Debuchy/Haïdara) so let's just go ahead and hope he's not needed there.</p>
<h4>Paul Dummett</h4>
<p>21 year old Dummett looked like he was on the outside looking in last season when he was sent out on loan to St. Mirren of the Scottish Premier League and Haïdara was brought in, but apparently Alan Pardew was happy with what the Wales U-21 international picked up in his time north of the border as he led the team in total minutes played during <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle's</a> pre-season matches, ostensibly to get him up to speed for potential first-team appearances this season.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>More from Coming Home Newcastle:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/16/4626232/premier-league-american-team-comparisons-newcastle-united?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Newcastle United aren't anybody else: When comparing Premier League teams to their American counterparts goes wrong</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/13/4617568/fabricio-coloccini-newcastle-defenders-preview-Taylor-Yanga-Mbiwa-Williamson?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Fabricio Coloccini And His Band Of Merry Men - Eleven Days of Newcastle #3: Center Back</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/12/4612498/debuchy-mathieu-right-back-preview-simpson-danny-anita-vurnon?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Debuchy. Mathieu Debuchy. Eleven Days of Newcastle #2: Right Back</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/15/4622958/premier-league-2013-14-team-preview-tottenham-hotspur-roberto-soldado-paulinho-hugo-lloris?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Premier League 2013-14 Team-By-Team Preview: Tottenham Hotspur</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/newcastle-united-transfer-rumors-2013/2013/8/14/4621530/jordan-rhodes-linked-to-newcastle-united?utm_source=cominghomenewcastle&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Jordan Rhodes linked to Newcastle United</a></li>
</ul>
https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/2013/8/16/4626096/newcastle-united-left-backs-young-but-talentedJim McMeachin2013-08-13T19:20:53+01:002013-08-13T19:20:53+01:00Eleven Days of Newcastle #3: Center Back
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<img alt="Will we see this at the Etihad?" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ImuU_4tCR796lCHa7sU2l1iYgTk=/0x0:2981x1987/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17817003/165108207.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Will we see this at the Etihad? | Alex Livesey</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It took a number of years, but Newcastle have 4 CBs - how will they sort out so far as playing time?</p> <p>For a long time, the center back position was the <span class="st"><i>cause célèbre </i>of the #AllTransfersAWindowTooLate crowd. This ended, to a certain degree, with the purchase of long-time rumored target <span>Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa</span>. It was thrown into some amount of doubt nearly immediately with the <span>Fabricio Coloccini</span>/San Lorenzo flirtation, but looks to have settled in with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a> having 4 players who now have Premier League experience and/or international credentials. Exactly how Alan Pardew will deploy them is (as with most things) the question. Let's start with what we do know for certain, and move about from there.</span></p>
<h4><span>Mike Williamson</span></h4>
<p>Since coming to Newcastle United in 2010 as part of the player liquidation relating to the Portsmouth financial meltdown, Willo has played a major role along the Newcastle back line. He made 15 appearances in the second half of the Championship promotion campaign, 29 in our first season back in the Premier League, 22 in the 5th place campaign (following <span>Steven Taylor's</span> Achilles injury) and had his low-water mark last season with 12 league appearances (and 7 in Europe).</p>
<p>If you look at the numbers, Mike Williamson was in the back line for a higher proportion of clean sheets in the 2011-12 season than Steven Taylor was... which is part of the weird thing about numbers. If you watch the matches, Williamson is frequently the focal point of attack by opposing sides. Despite relative strength, he is relatively easy to get past on the ground and is one of the quickest to start hoofing the ball forward, often for no reason. It has seemed to be <span>Alan Pardew's</span> intention to reduce Williamson's role in the side, and we can expect to see more of that this season with all three of his fellow CBs above him in the pecking order. <b></b></p>
<p><b>Prognosis: Should only see the pitch in cup matches or in the event of injury.</b></p>
<h4>Fabricio Coloccini</h4>
<p>The early part of 2013 was surely one that Captain Colo would like to forget through personal circumstances and the back injury he sustained performing a bicycle-type clearance v. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com/">Southampton</a>. During that injury, I made the statement that I felt Colo being out might just be the best thing for the club as it seemed that a Steven Taylor / Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa partnership looked both solid and seemed to bring out some decent, vocal leadership qualities in Taylor. What a fool I was. As we slipped closer and closer to the relegation zone, it took Coloccini's return to stabilize the back line and provide just enough leadership to get us just enough to stay up. He has long been considered our best player at the position, and little will have changed as the 2013-14 kicks off.</p>
<p><b>Prognosis: Remains Captain and will be first name on the team sheet at CB every week.</b></p>
<h4>Steven Taylor</h4>
<p>Steven Taylor is about as polarizing a figure as there is across the back line. As universally praised as Coloccini is and Williamson isn't, there isn't an opinion about the man raised in Whitley Bay that can be considered "the prevailing opinion". Regardless of your opinion on him, until the acquisition of Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa the primary question in deciding "who should start at CB" was "Are you better than Mike Williamson". Frequently drawing attention for actions not necessarily directly related to the performance of his primary job function (defending), his propensity for over-the-top celebrations, spray tans and non-conventional methods of passing the ball to <span>Tim Krul</span>:</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/UljOdt3HKbE" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe> <br id="1376416430807"></p>
<p>While his overall skill level probably doesn't meet up to the demonstrative nature of his fist pumps, etc, (don't let silly-season rumors linking <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a> or PSG with interest in him skew your opinion of exactly what he is), he is a solid Premier League defender, and still better than Mike Williamson.</p>
<p><b>Prognosis: Largely dependent upon the progress of Yanga-Mbiwa</b></p>
<h4>Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa</h4>
<p>A full France international and captain of club side Montpelier in Ligue 1 at age 21, Yanga-Mbiwa certainly has the credentials to demand first team consideration at his preferred CB position. After an initial purple patch in his early performances for Newcastle, however, he seemed to struggle with the demands of playing CB in the Premier League. When he was at his best in the 2012-13 season, he was covering at left back for injured <span>Davide Santon</span>, although it seems less likely that left back would be an option with the large amount of time given to Paul Dummett in preseason matches.</p>
<p>If he has been able to get himself up to Premier League speed, there is little discussion that a Coloccini - MYB partnership is not only our most pedigreed but also the most solid possible combination, although Alan Pardew's dependence upon players long-term over potential may see Steven Taylor paired with Coloccini when the club take the field at the Etihad.</p>
<p><b>Prognosis: Third choice initially at CB with Steven Taylor on a very short leash</b></p>
<p><i>Which combination of players would you start at the Etihad?</i></p>
<p> </p>
<h4>More from Coming Home Newcastle:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/12/4614496/newcastle-position-preview">Eleven Days of Newcastle: Position by Position Preview</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/13/4616572/premier-league-2013-14-team-preview-fulham-shahid-khan-sascha-riether-maarten-stekelenburg">Premier League 2013-14 Team-By-Team Preview: Fulham</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/13/4616608/manchester-city-newcastle-united-monday-premier-league">Give Us Your Manchester City Questions</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/12/4614066/Bafetimbi-gomis-transfer-lyon-newcastle-kinnear-aulas-marseille">Bafétimbi Gomis Saga: Best Director Of Football In Football Loses Another</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/newcastle-united-transfer-rumors-2013/2013/8/12/4614102/gomis-newcastle-united-transfer-rumours">Newcastle United pull out of Gomis deal, per report</a></li>
</ul>
https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/2013/8/13/4617568/fabricio-coloccini-newcastle-defenders-preview-Taylor-Yanga-Mbiwa-WilliamsonJim McMeachin2013-08-12T16:00:04+01:002013-08-12T16:00:04+01:00Right Back: Mathieu Debuchy and...
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_IxMeud5-PpqWgR2d2aTmS_yLlU=/0x8:4000x2675/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17754039/169052662.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stu Forster</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Position by position, we are previewing Newcastle United's 2013-14 squad. Today's installment: Right back.</p> <p>Right back is a position that has seen decent stability for Newcastle United for the past 4 years, starting with the loan of Danny Simpson from Manchester United in August of 2009. The Man red academy product would make 125 appearances for Newcastle United over those 4 years. It will be hard to know in the 'he said/he said" of football whether the club were low-balling Simpson, whether they had grown tired of his highly publicized relationship with "reality star" Tulisa and the late London nights that accompanied or whether Danny Simpson just wanted to move on (which probably entered more into the conversation after Newcastle, you know, went and bought his replacement in January).</p>
<p>Generally speaking, there was not much to complain about Simpson in the Newcastle defensive half. Positionally, he could cover his position and provide accurate support into the center when necessary. Few will forget the 11-12 season that seemingly saw Simpson constantly in the eyes of Twitter with the #SimmoOffTheLine hashtag. Unfortunately, it was that same season that would see the beginning of the end for Danny (at least so far as the support were concerned). As Alan Pardew shifted to a more and more attacking and wing-oriented style, Simpson was asked to push into the attack more and more. He certainly had his moments in such a role, but unfortunately, they were largely overshadowed by his propensity to get dispossessed in a forward position and fail to track back which seemed to lead to a disproportionate number of goals conceded. Following the aforementioned purchase of France international Mathieu Debuchy, any handwriting on the wall became etched in stone and a new era would begin.</p>
<h4>Mathieu Debuchy</h4>
<p>With his reputation greatly enhanced by a solid performance at Euro 2012 (something something Soccernomics), Debuchy was described as "a winger in a defender's body" and was meant to provide even more in the attack while staying solid in the back (obviously). Based on his appearances thus far in a Newcastle United shirt, Debuchy is truly the anti-Simpson. He has shown flashes of the offensive brilliance that we expected from him as we learned about him over multiple transfer windows, and is the advertised upgrade we were promised in that way. Defensively, however, he struggled. His time as the starting RB for Newcastle is marred by numerous hidings at the hands of opposing players, sloppy penalties conceded and flat out erratic play at the back.</p>
<p>Some players take a little while longer to acclimatize to the English game than others (see Coloccini, Fabricio), and the hope will be that in his first full season Debuchy will progress in the attack while making large strides on the defensive end. Long-term, he should prove out to be an upgrade over Danny Simpson, however as it stands now Debuchy's replacement of Simpson must be considered a wash. The club will be counting on his ascension - a look down the depth chart at the right back position is, well... populated by players intended for other positions.</p>
<h4>Davide Santon</h4>
<p>Based on the latest squad rosters on the official site, there is not a second "true right back" per se on the squad outside Davide Santon, who is the starting left back. An injury or other absence to Debuchy is going to have a domino effect across the defensive line, leading to up to 3 changes to account for one player missing. Especially early on in his time with Newcastle (and before the purchase of Debuchy), there have been calls for Santon to take over completely at right back, and he has had some matches at the position across several competitions as well as some time this preseason. Although RB should put him in a more natural position going forward as a right footed player, it has never seemed he's quite as comfortable in attacking positions from the right as he is cutting in from the left. Defensively, he has seemed perhaps a little more solid on the right than on the left, although it could be easily explained by the timing of his RB assignments and the ebbs and flows of his overall form. We'll get into Davide more in the left back preview. The other two players who could potentially figure at right back are players who should be considered to be "out of position" but could be employed at RB in an emergency.</p>
<h4>Vurnon Anita</h4>
<p>Billed by many upon his purchase as a Cheik Tiote replacement, Anita struggled mightily in his early run outs at the DM position. He did get his Premier League feet underneath him in a stint at RB in which he looked solid and confident enough. He had played some left back for Ajax before moving to Newcastle, so the full back role is not one alien to him. His role is surely more in the middle of the park for Newcastle this year, but depending upon injury situations on the left side of the defense, he would be the first available if Davide Santon were not able to be slid across the formation.</p>
<h4>Ryan Taylor</h4>
<p>Ryan Taylor joined Newcastle as a midfielder. He was pressed into action at left back in the 2011-12 season and did well enough in combination with Jonas before ultimately ceding the position to Davide Santon mid-season. Having been out for all of last season with a knee injury (I remember seeing the injury v. Atromitos in the Europa League playoffs very vividly...), he is somewhat a player without a role in the squad at this point. With the signing of Massadio Haïdara and the apparent preseason statement of commitment to Paul Dummet, it seems like his days at left back are through, although he wouldn't be any closer necessarily to playing at right back. Raylor is essentially the quintessential "utility-man", probably most directly replacing James Perch.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>More from Coming Home Newcastle:</h4>
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<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/9/4605772/tim-krul-newcastle-1-goalkeeper-preview">Tim Krul's House - Eleven Days of Newcastle #1: Goalkeeper</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/10/4609598/newcastle-united-1-1-braga-match-in-tweets">Newcastle United 1 - 1 Braga: As It Happened</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/8/4585960/nbc-premier-league-club-selection-newcastle-united-nufc">Premier League Club Selection: Newcastle United is the Choice</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/8/4602252/newcastle-united-nufc-loanees-shane-ferguson-james-tavernier-michael-richardson">Newcastle United Loan Watch: Ferguson playing multiple roles at Birmingham</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2013/8/9/4605142/scott-sinclair-newcastle-united-transfer-rumours">Newcastle United ready Scott Sinclair bid?</a></li>
</ul>
https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/2013/8/12/4612498/debuchy-mathieu-right-back-preview-simpson-danny-anita-vurnonJim McMeachin