We’ve been a little surprised at the criticism Gabriel Obertan has received in some games from Newcastle fans.
Gabriel Obertan – loving the challenge at Newcastle United
Gabriel looks to us like an exciting player, who runs directly at the opposing defenses, and he’s got more than a little bit of skill too.
Gabriel has settled down well and so far has been the starting right winger for Newcastle, but of course there are a number of other very good players who would be only too happy to take Gabriel’s starting position.
Sylvain Marveaux, Dan Gosling, Ben Arfa, Sammy Ameobi and Danny Guthrie are five players at Newcastle who would love to start for Newcastle out on the right wing these days.
Gabriel has settled down well on Tyneside, like the other players who arrived in the summer.
“The club is progressing nicely and going in the right direction.” “It was one of the reasons why I came here because I liked the ideas of the manager and the type of players he wants to bring here.
“Now we have to continue the great start we’ve had and build on things.” “The French players have settled in very well here already.”
“But it is not only about us, it is about the whole group, and it is going really well.” “There are a lot of good young players coming through the ranks here and they are all for the future.”
“I knew when I came here about the expectations at the club and it is a big side with a lot of history.” “There is a strong group here. It is about building the team for the future and we are all aware of that.”
“The passion from the fans has been amazing. I was expecting it, to be honest, and so far I haven’t been disappointed.” “I love the challenge here.” “There are a lot of good players and we have to keep fighting for our place.”
The 22 year-old former Bordeaux winger knew all about the Geordie passion before he arrived on Tyneside, and the French U21 International has helped Newcastle make their best start to a season since back in 1995, when Newcastle were managed by the great Kevin Keegan.
The Chronicle is reporting today that Newcastle are targeting France (that’s not surprising), Belgium and Holland as part of their current scouting drive, with the impressive Chief Scout Graham Carr checking on players all the time, and reporting back to the manager on potential targets both for January and next summer.
Wonder who Graham is watching these days – any ideas?
Newcastle are 4th top of the Premier League and have a decent chance of staying there after Saturday’s game against Wigan, but then the Magpies have about six tough games on the trot, so we will definitely need all 3 points on Saturday.
And in closing, we’ve liked what we’ve seen from Obertan, and he will only improve of course, and he’s very much like the rest of the new players that arrived in the summer, he seems a smashing lad.
Comments welcome.
19 comments so far
Shorzy
Oct 18, 2011 at 12:54 PM
Comment #1The winner!!!
Shorzy
Oct 18, 2011 at 12:59 PM
Comment #2Not really why a lot of people give this lad a hard time, he works hard, both footed, cuts in and can go wide. Granted his final ball could be better and he can go down the odd blind alley but all in all I think 3m for him was a bargain. He has got a fair amount of skill as well, have a look on you tube (Im using Mr Wise’s scouting methods here) and you’ll see how good he was for Borduex (?!?) which prompted Man U to sign him, they don’t sign bad players. He’s only a young lad so I reckon we should give the kid a bit of backing and he can only get better and grow with the rest of our youngsters.
G
Oct 18, 2011 at 12:59 PM
Comment #3Obertan reminds me somewhat of Keith Gillespie. Inconsistent player, who when he plays, is brilliant, but when he doesnt, is dreadful. He wasn’t as bad on Sunday as some suggested, however, against Wolves he was the worst performer I have seen in our colours this season so far. If he can add a bit of consistency, then he could be a true great.
WWJBD
Oct 18, 2011 at 1:02 PM
Comment #4I am unsure whether to drop Best or Ba in order to get HBA into the team because they are on form, working well together and getting goals. I can not say that about Obertan, imo we have better than him sat on the bench.
Hes just not a starter for me, impact sub for 20mins running at tired full backs yeah thats great but Marv must be wondering exactly what he has to do to get a game
Toon_Tom
Oct 18, 2011 at 1:12 PM
Comment #5wwjbd > i would have to drop Best to bring in HBA. If Best was left furthest up the pitch, we would obtain alot more offsides as he has a habit of not watching the line. I agree that Best has surprised us of late with his all round ability, but if HBA was to be brought in behind 1 forward, then imo it would have to be at the expense of Best. (apologies Leon)
Rael
Oct 18, 2011 at 1:12 PM
Comment #6Who Graham is watching? Maybe Mohammed Abdellaoue who plays in Hannover, Germany… 6 goals so far i Bundesliga…. worth a thought maybe?
Toon_Tom
Oct 18, 2011 at 1:14 PM
Comment #7regarding Obertan, he seems scared to sprint. In open space he runs, but he seems a bit wary of attacking fullbacks and imo his end result has been appalling. Marveaux has to have a run out sooner rather than later. I would move Raylor and Jonas over to the right, and bring in Marv on the LW!!!
rulezzz
Oct 18, 2011 at 1:20 PM
Comment #8Hopefully Carr can spot a new (Eden Hazard) in Belgium.
jimmyxavi
Oct 18, 2011 at 1:22 PM
Comment #9Obertan can be the new Henry…. He started out as a winger and people siad he couldn’t cut it in the premiership!! Then Arsene put him up front and he turned into the one of the worlds best!
Obertan dribbles like him anyway!
Ben3arfa
Oct 18, 2011 at 1:23 PM
Comment #10Anybody read bout us apparently negotiating an imminent del for Maiga to arrive in Jan? Its All Over The Press
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/newcastle-united/8833499/Newcastle-United-set-to-sign-long-term-target-Modibo-Maiga-when-January-transfer-window-opens.html
Toon_Tom
Oct 18, 2011 at 1:24 PM
Comment #11jimmyxavi > i like your optimism, but Haway!
ITUNDERASHELL
Oct 18, 2011 at 1:26 PM
Comment #12WWJBD you don’t, bring on Arfa and Marvaux gradually with half hour appearances like Ameobi got against Spurs.
Obatan is a boy and can only improve with games and against Spurs l bet he was told not to push too far forward. He has the ability and it needs to be brought out of him by our coaches and it will.
Lets not go back to the bad old day’s of heckling players who are not performing, oour whole way of approaching the game has changed we are now DEVELOPING players.
demba_ba_ba_ba
Oct 18, 2011 at 1:29 PM
Comment #13i think obertan was a bargin for 3mil and is jst starting to find his feet and i think if pardew can find the team to have ben afra jonas and obertan in then we will have a attacking team i would play Krul, Santon, Colo, Taylor , R.Taylor, Obertan, Cabaye , Toite , Jonas , Ben Afra , Ba .tht would be my team against wigan on sat . Wigan havent got the best defence and our pace and movement would defintly set up goals and i can see Saturday been a very high scorer game if we take it to them strght away.
Wardy
Oct 18, 2011 at 1:29 PM
Comment #14I never got to see the game against Wolves, but was at the game on Sunday and thought Obertan was useless, think it’s about time we give Marveux his chance, maybe also Santon aswel, as Simpson at times stays to far away from the winger, and at times looks as though hes playing CB! Also hearing that Maiga deal is close to being finalised!!! Not to sure if i’m happy, would rather see us sign a striker thats not African as we will be short again come January as Mali have qualified for ACN
nden85
Oct 18, 2011 at 1:31 PM
Comment #15should deffo keep a close eye on Belgium, they’re turning out some unreal players for such a small nation.
WWJBD
Oct 18, 2011 at 1:33 PM
Comment #16Wasent heckling him I just dont think he should start ahead of Marv or HBA who are better than him imo. He is a decent player with some skill but why should we keep a better player on the bench?
And will neither HBA or Marv benefit from starting games?
Munster Mag
Oct 18, 2011 at 2:39 PM
Comment #17Agree with WWJBD. Pards is conservative and the team shape and ability to defend and track back is vital. I feel he thinks Marveaux isnt strong enough to do that, especvially on the right. And i doubt hugely if HBA would bother.
SBergenwall
Oct 19, 2011 at 10:04 AM
Comment #18I think the reason that Pardew doesn’t play HBA from the start is because of the injuries he has had. And that he does not want him to rush into the game and get injured again. I do admit that HBA is a talented player but I think Pardew is doing the right thing…
bishopblaize
Oct 19, 2011 at 11:04 AM
Comment #19All the lads from 1st Team and Reserves are the making of a TOP club .. We have enough talent to tackle ALL competitions with what should be decent results going our way!
I still want to see a TEVEZ or a CAROLL return to ensure we stay on the MAP ..
LONG LIVE THE TOON ‘-