We’ve been so impressed with the way Ryan Taylor has settled in at left back, especially after the shaky game he had at QPR early in the season.
Ryan Taylor – new Newcastle left-back
And Ryan is keeping up the good form, and the 27 year-old had another outstanding game at Stoke City on Monday night, when the lads came out 3-1 winners.
Alan Pardew today is even hinting that Ryan could make the left back position his own this season, if he keeps producing the strong displays we’ve seen from him so far in the season.
And today Alan Pardew has said that he doesn’t think a certain Jose Enrique could do any better than Ryan has done at left back this season for the Newcastle first team.
This is what Newcastle manger told the local press today:
“I’ve got to be honest, I don’t think Jose could have done much better than Ryan, if I’m honest.” “We know Jose’s a world-class player, so fair play to Ryan.”
“His performances have given them confidence.” “That goal at Sunderland does that sort of thing for you.” “When you have been out of the team for a long, long time.”
“Something like that can propel you.” “It has propelled his confidence to the level he’s keeping out a £5million player.”
“That takes some doing, Santon was brought in to play left-back and Ryan hasn’t gave him a chance.” “That’s how football should be.”
“Sometimes a change of position just boosts a player’s career, and Ryan Giggs moved from a wide player to central midfield, and perhaps became a better player.”
“Who knows? Ryan could establish that position.”
It’s hard lines on young Davide Santon, but Alan Pardew is right and it’s now up to Davide to force himself into the Newcastle first team in one of the two full back spots.
The Italian International can do that by keeping his head down in training, and then doing well when he does get his chance again in the Newcastle first team.
Pardew talked about the young Italian Under-21 captain who has been capped 7 times by Italy, and cost Newcastle £5.3M from Inter-Milan in the summer:
“Davide Santon’s a fantastic player.” “He threatens both full-backs – he keeps both on their toes.”
“I think Danny Simpson had his best game for the club on Monday night, so the competition’s working.”
“Davide’s a terrific lad. He’s played no Premier League games, though he’s come on as a sub a couple of times.”
“This is good for him. He’s never seen a game like Stoke, so this is all good experience for him.”
Competition for places is what makes a team a good one, because players starting the game know they have to produce their best if they are to stay in the side.
And competition for places has worked extremely well for Newcastle this season, as the lads keep turning in some excellent team performances, like at Stoke City last Monday night.
And we’re hoping to see another good display tomorrow, where it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that Newcastle can get all 3 points against Everton.
Wouldn’t that be something?
Comments welcome.
77 comments so far
Isaac Hunt
Nov 4, 2011 at 1:25 PM
Comment #1Seems like an eternity since we stuffed the toffess
GeordieGerman
Nov 4, 2011 at 1:26 PM
Comment #2Must be a great life being a professional footballer. Wanting to play, looking forward to training. Wish I had the same feelings when I get up for work.
niffnoff
Nov 4, 2011 at 1:27 PM
Comment #3BIIIIIIIG Statement there, though I must say Ryan Taylor is improving every game by at least a mountain. The way he’s composed himself, gotten forward and switched with Guttierez almost Enrique-esque. Though I would prefer Santon, but I reckon when he gets more experience in cups and reserves he’ll get his game. Wierd having faith in the underdog that is Ryan Taylor the right mid-fielding turned LEFT full back xD
AP's Black & White Army
Nov 4, 2011 at 1:36 PM
Comment #4Ed, I’d just like to say, it’s only when I visit our opposition’s forums and blogs, that I really recognise what a sterling job you do with this one, our’s. So thanks. 😀
All the power to you, in your duel against the ‘big C’.
Toon Army, marching on together!!
Brutooon
Nov 4, 2011 at 1:37 PM
Comment #5The reason Raylor did well at leftback is because Jonas is in front of him. Enrique improve a lot because of the hardworking Jonas….
Wait till we meet the Manchester teams and Chelsea. If Raylor still played well, then that left back shud be his the entire season 🙂
Gash
Nov 4, 2011 at 1:37 PM
Comment #6Give the lad his due, he has given 100% every game. I think he knows, one bad game and his spot is up for grabs.
I hope Simpson takes that on board and keeps up his performance level like that at Stoke 3- 1 on Saturday HWTL
IPToon
Nov 4, 2011 at 1:45 PM
Comment #7Definately not in Enrique’s league but he has definately done well.
I think we all shat ourselves when we saw him at full back in the first few games but he has gradually got better and credit to him for that. There is a massive but though. Jonas is doing an awful lot of defending so not to leave Raylor 1on1 with the winger which does affect Jonas going forward, dont no if Jonas touched the ball in the last third against Stoke. To be a more attacking force at home and win games such as Evertton at home we need Jonas to attack more and i think that will mean Santon coming in soon.
Klatoon
Nov 4, 2011 at 1:47 PM
Comment #8He’s been immense but his good performances are a reflection of how hard Jonas works for the team. An injury to Guti now and Raylor might suffer. HWTL
ToonBry
Nov 4, 2011 at 1:57 PM
Comment #9Does anyone know any Everton blogs that are actually used? I wanna see what they say about the upcoming game
AP's Black & White Army
Nov 4, 2011 at 1:58 PM
Comment #10Doesn’t make as many silly errors in our own third, due to being too casual, like Enrique did, but he isn’t as solid 1 vs 1.
When Enrique and Jonas went forward, you’d often see them both, right up near the oppositions byline, making it very risky if they were to intercept and counter. Raylor and Jonas have a better risk/reward balance.
Jonas seems to play better with Raylor, in both departments.
Raylor is more of a goal-threat than Enrique and their supply is about equal.
Raylor is better! 😛
ballerfan2
Nov 4, 2011 at 2:02 PM
Comment #11I hope Pardew posts Lawro’s prediction up on the team notice board this week …”thinking they just need to turn up to get the three points ….” He really doesn’t know much about this team now does he? ……………………….. I hope.
IPToon
Nov 4, 2011 at 2:02 PM
Comment #12Everyone is now starting to appreciate Gutierrez which is good. Ive always like the bloke for how much hard work he does for the team. A proper team player who never gets the headlines but works his spiderman pants off every week.
In terms of defending and helping the team he is the best left winger in the league. In terms of attack he is one of the better ones – not right up there though as his crossing is often quite poor.
I enjoyed his interview after the stoke game as well when he took the drink. Top bloke.
kevymartins
Nov 4, 2011 at 2:03 PM
Comment #13what ever happend to frazier campbell?
Sir Alan
Nov 4, 2011 at 2:04 PM
Comment #14hahahaha, not sure bout the headline???
GeordieToon89
Nov 4, 2011 at 2:06 PM
Comment #15kevmartins – he tore his cruciate ligaments then came back and did the same again been out for nearly 2 year altogether
kevymartins
Nov 4, 2011 at 2:09 PM
Comment #16ooh thats nasty hes a scum player n all but i would’nt wish that on no player
WWJBD
Nov 4, 2011 at 2:14 PM
Comment #17Raylor as good as El Toro? Someone drug the water supply?
AP's Black & White Army
Nov 4, 2011 at 2:14 PM
Comment #18http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7290589/Cisse-still-wants-exit
Him and Ba would be absolutely lethal together.
Toon_Jock
Nov 4, 2011 at 2:16 PM
Comment #19toonbry – try this one?
http://www.grandoldteam.com/forum/threads/39352-Newcastle-United-v-Everton.-Saturday-5th-November-12.45.
GeordieToon89
Nov 4, 2011 at 2:19 PM
Comment #20kevymartins – its the same injury av got but av been waiting 7 month for me operation now the NHS are pathetic lol
Spike
Nov 4, 2011 at 2:21 PM
Comment #21I think Jonas made Enrique look good. He’s doing the same with Ryan. As long as it continues it’s great.
I don’t think Enrique looks half as good now that he went to the car thieves
WWJBD
Nov 4, 2011 at 2:27 PM
Comment #22Toon_Jock
That Everton forum made me smile
moonraker
Nov 4, 2011 at 2:30 PM
Comment #23Sorry but The Bull is the best left back in the PL if not Europe. That’s not to say Raylor isn’t playing well, but against Stoke he had Jonas backing him up. The difference is Enrique could have done the job on his own; he’s that good.
Still he’s gone now and i think Santon is the long term answer with Raylor reverting back to utility player.
Good Times are back HWTL 🙂
Toon_Jock
Nov 4, 2011 at 2:39 PM
Comment #24WWJBD – totally, loving the fat geordie girls pics and comments 🙂 hehe nothing wrong with a bit of banter!!
Toon_Jock
Nov 4, 2011 at 2:46 PM
Comment #25Royston Drenthe has warned Newcastle he is eager to take out his red card frustration on them this Saturday.
http://www.evertonfc.com/news/archive/2011/11/04/red-card-blues-fuel-drenthe
Fighting talk eh? HWTL
WWJBD
Nov 4, 2011 at 2:47 PM
Comment #26Aye mate its funny. Not so sure on the tag line of ‘we haven’t faced anyone yet’ being branded about still but hey ho when we thump them on Saturday they can join the list of no ones 😉
Toon_Jock
Nov 4, 2011 at 2:58 PM
Comment #27Aye… they are a mostly optimistic bunch, I’ll give them that. But even a few of their fans know it’s not going to be easy.
Fav comment:
“Good job Fellaini is suspended, really. Him and Coloccini contesting a header could cause all kinds of problems”
Classic!!
shpetmeister
Nov 4, 2011 at 2:59 PM
Comment #28Im planning a trip to the best city in the world, newcastle! How can i order a ticket for a game? im from Norway btw. ditapeti@hotmail.no
WWJBD
Nov 4, 2011 at 3:03 PM
Comment #29Cahill, Distin and Neville are all a doubt for tomorrow and Fellani is suspended. Baines Drenthe Osman and Rodwell are dangermen imo Saha is very hit and miss
We have Tiote doubtful and Obertan out. With dangermen being Guti, Cabaye, Marv(or HBA), Best and Ba.
Form is very much on our side but Everton haven’t been playing badly in fairness. 12th man is on toon side but Everton arent bad travellers so should get some good chant battles going on 😀
I am going to punt for a 2-0 win
WWJBD
Nov 4, 2011 at 3:04 PM
Comment #30shpetmeister
Official club website buy tickets from there bud
Toon_Jock
Nov 4, 2011 at 3:06 PM
Comment #31shpetmeister, depends what game you want to see – recently St James hasn’t been selling out – so presuming you could easily pickup a ticket at the gate?
AshtreeKid
Nov 4, 2011 at 3:12 PM
Comment #32dont worry about the result guys as I’m going and they havent lost a game I’ve watched this season
Robby Bobson
Nov 4, 2011 at 3:18 PM
Comment #33I saw Ryan put in an awesome ball with his left foot on Monday night, he really is naturally gifted with both feet.
He seems to be getting better and better every game, maybe hes a good player who just needed a run in the team. His defending at the back post is very good and is better in the air than i thought.
He even started Enrique-esque flicks and scary composure in his own box on Monday.
Been a real surprise this season. He isnt good when people run at him though so i think he definately needs Jonas backing him up against teams like City and United.
Robby Bobson
Nov 4, 2011 at 3:20 PM
Comment #34“Cahill, Distin and Neville are all a doubt for tomorrow and Fellani is suspended.”
If Distin is out i think our chances of win double. Dont like him due to his toon past but is an immensley underrated defender.
Still with talent like Drenthe on the pitch anything can happen.
WWJBD
Nov 4, 2011 at 3:34 PM
Comment #35Dislike Distin because of his toon past? Dont recall any real sour grapes about his loan….am I wrong?
Do agree he is very underrated as is Jagielka imo
stevep
Nov 4, 2011 at 3:35 PM
Comment #36Funniest comment on that Everton blog was below the picture of those dogs in Newcastle
“her face looks melted – I wouldn’t even ride her into battle”
Made me lol at least
Sgt. Heagerty
Nov 4, 2011 at 3:37 PM
Comment #37Mates, so many years I have lived I’n agony, or unable to fully enjoys the highs we had for fear of the other shoe dropping. I am so impressed with this squads talent and heart, its a good mix of youth and vets. Pards Nd his staff have done a brilliant job bringing this club back to the point of being relevant again I’n football long may it continue. Hba And gosling are both healthy and have the oppertunity to be brought back slowly because of how well we are playing instead of being rushed back at risk of injury. Young players are being brought along well. Academy is stocked with talent. Nufc is I’n real good shape and I’m loving it!
HWTL
ToonBry
Nov 4, 2011 at 3:42 PM
Comment #38Toon Jock…….. Thanks buddy
stripes1009
Nov 4, 2011 at 4:06 PM
Comment #39I think Evertoon will be most surprised by the ‘new’ toon tomorrow. When you look at last year’s team against this year’s team only about 4 of the squad probably played. Simmo, Collo, Tiotte & Jonas. Bestie might have but even so, this is a FAR better team than we had last year! l’m not saying it will be easy as Everton are a good side and David Moyes will have done his homework but l certainly can’t see us being beat.
soundoid
Nov 4, 2011 at 4:12 PM
Comment #40From the BBC match preview,
Everton’s 2-1 win at St James’ Park on 5 March was their first league victory there since 2000. They had gone eight games without a win on Tyneside.
This will be the 161st time these sides have met in all competitions; each side has recorded 63 wins, with 34 draws.
Newcastle
Demba Ba has scored 15 Premier League goals in 2011. Only Robin van Persie (28) and Wayne Rooney (19) have scored more.
Of the 13 players to have scored four or more top-flight goals this season, Opta figures show that Ba has the best shot-to-goal conversion rate (47%).
The Magpies are unbeaten in 13 league games (including their final three matches last season). It is their best run of form in the top flight for over 61 years.
The only occasion that Newcastle went undefeated in their opening 11 Premier League games was in 1994-95. If they avoid defeat on Saturday they will equal that record.
Everton
Everton have not kept a clean sheet in nine league and cup matches. Their only shut-out this season came in a 1-0 win at Blackburn, who missed two penalties.
The Toffees have suffered defeat in five of their last six matches in all competitions.
They have lost five of six league games this season when they conceded the opening goal.
According to Opta, Everton have the best tackle success rate in the Premier League this season (81.5%).