Jonas Gutierrez, the former Real Mallorca star and Argentine International, has been playing a different role for Newcastle recently.
Jonas in action against Aston Villa
When Alan Pardew switched to a 4-3- formation, Jonas played on the left side of the middle three, and he was more in Newcastle’s engine room, alongside Cheick Tiote and Yohan Cabaye.
But with Newcastle now switching back to 4-4-2, where we have both Senegal strikers Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse up front, Jonas will revert to his usual role out on the left wing.
But the Newcastle manager believes the switch was a good thing for the Argentine, and he had this to say to the local press today about the 22 times capped Argentine International:
“Sometimes I think you need to re-energise players.” “He’s been running up and down that line on the left-hand side for the last two years.”
“Sometimes, if you give them something different to look at, it re-energises them.” “I think he is re-energized, and when he goes back to his position, he’ll be looking for it.”
“I think that’s important for players like Jonas.” “He’s just got that natural ability.” “I just remembered seeing him at the World Cup at left-back.” “He did a good job.”
“Goodness knows how long ago that was – it was a few years ago.” “He has a diligence and experience, and with all due respect, you could probably put him at center-half and he’d give you a competent game.”
The Evening Chronicle is reporting that Jonas has ran more miles this season than any other Newcastle player, and he has covered 214.3 miles this season on the pitch, and that’s a little more than 8 marathons.
Given Jonas has played 39 times with 3 goals for Newcastle this season, that’s an average of around 5.5 miles per game, and he’s moving on average at 3.7 miles/hr over the full 90 minutes – that’s a fast walking pace.
We always knew that Jonas was a hard worker, but that’s ridiculous, and of course Alan Pardew keeps stats on the players so he can gauge their contributions to the side.
We think that’s what alerted Alan to the lack of work that Ben Arfa was initially putting in, but he’s worked a charm with the French International, who now works his socks off for Newcastle.
We have to hope that all the Newcastle players work their socks off on Sunday at Everton, and we can pick up all3 points, and then we’ll see where we finish in the league table at 5:00pm on Sunday afternoon.
That’s anywhere from 5th top to 3rd top, when Newcastle finish their amazing season at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon.
What a great season it’s been.
Comments welcome.
103 comments so far
CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon)
May 11, 2012 at 12:30 PM
Comment #41Indian…but we haven’t played any of the big teams yet 😉
I think it will be a tough game, but to say we’ll lose? Madness. We can give them a go for sure.
You didn’t reply to me earlier and I assume that’s because you thought I was attacking you and that really wasn’t the case. Just thought i’d put it out there
Indian Magpie
May 11, 2012 at 12:34 PM
Comment #42CODARM,
Must have missed it. I have forgotten the Full form of Codarm, can you please tell me Please
CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon)
May 11, 2012 at 12:34 PM
Comment #43Minato…well said.
JackButler
May 11, 2012 at 12:35 PM
Comment #44Jonas epitomises what it is to wear our shirt, his work rate is amazing, even when he has a poor game you cant question his commitment to us and thats why he’s loved 🙂
CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon)
May 11, 2012 at 12:36 PM
Comment #45Indian…Couldn’t tell you I’m afraid. It was assigned and forgotten.
If you care, my comments are on today’s threads.
sptlucas
May 11, 2012 at 12:38 PM
Comment #46lets just hope fulham finish above everton is all i say for the weekend
Indian Magpie
May 11, 2012 at 12:41 PM
Comment #47Codarm,
I get criticized fair enuf, if some 1 does not like post i get it so why worry.
Indian Magpie
May 11, 2012 at 12:43 PM
Comment #48My message to every one is if you think i like crap and dont understand foot ball. do 1 thing when 1 is scrolling down My pseudo name comes first. Just ignore the message posted and move on
check the toastie
May 11, 2012 at 12:43 PM
Comment #49We won at chelski so we can win at Everton, chances are we wont though, but keep the faith.
Eddie Izzard ran 7 marathons in 7 days, dont think Eddie could get a game for the toon based on his running exploits, his black painted nails wud go nice with our strip though.
Luv Jonas but cruelly out of our midfielders i wud say he is most at risk of being replaced for next year. he will be a class sub though. Just lacks a bit of something in both roles CM(technique/awareness) and LM(pace/crossing). And yes he has seemed knackered lately, very leggy.
Minato
May 11, 2012 at 12:44 PM
Comment #50Thanks CODARM 😉
As for the games I think that form is going to go right out the window for this one. It’s the last day, so much at stake for everyone involved. My gut tells me we have the least pressure (even if we have the toughest game), which I believe could really work in our favor.
We know that if spurs and arsenal win there is nothing we can do and fifth will have exceeded our general season expectations anyway. These two teams however both know that if they slip we could take them, in my view more pressure. Abit positive i know..but i think at this stage after all the lads have done all season its hard not to be.
Will be a very tough game but I think if we win we will make it. Could get any result if I’m honest but that just makes it more exciting.
Indian Magpie
May 11, 2012 at 12:47 PM
Comment #51WEEK over going home Take care bye bye
mindshaft
May 11, 2012 at 12:47 PM
Comment #52I like Jonas but really! 5.5 miles over 90 mins on a sat aint very much,
I do 10 – 15 miles in 60 – 90 mins every Sat and have to fit a job in on top of that
maybe I should send off my CV to Pards
LewSpi
May 11, 2012 at 12:49 PM
Comment #53I think I must watch a different Jonas every week to everybody else.
I was beginning to give up hope until Check the Toastie just posted.
CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon)
May 11, 2012 at 12:49 PM
Comment #54Indian…that was basically my point. I have no problem with you reading the blogs or even sitting waiting to make the first posts. Just because some give you grief, doesn’t mean you should stop posting or start posting “first” as some form of retaliation. Rise above it.
Check…Izzard playing for the toon…now there’s an image. We are capable of beating Everton, but it’s also highly possible we wont. At the start of the season, I would have expected to be around level with Everton, who I view as a good squad, above mid table but not quite able to push the top 4/5.
You’re right on Jonas, of a 3 man midfield, he’s the most likely to be sacrificed. Can’t be dropping Tiote or Cabaye. Shame though, as he is a work horse 🙂
toonincheek
May 11, 2012 at 12:49 PM
Comment #55When was the last time we were hoping for the next season to be as exciting as the previous one?
And praying for even more, of course.
CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon)
May 11, 2012 at 12:50 PM
Comment #56LewSpi…not a fan then? I’ll admit his end product isn’t always great and can be frustrating, not sure where else he goes wrong though.
Minato
May 11, 2012 at 12:52 PM
Comment #57Mindshaft id think there is a difference between running down the road with no interference and movement and play during intense premier league matches. Can you recall a game when Jonas has been absent? Just saying..the statistics seem to reflect alot of what ive also seen. Hard work.
Minato
May 11, 2012 at 12:55 PM
Comment #58Obviously its not just about workrate..but in my view as aforementioned he embodies his contribution is vital in a number of areas.
JackButler
May 11, 2012 at 12:56 PM
Comment #59Mindshaft – Running 5.5 miles with people kicking seven bells out of you if a little different to road running
LewSpi
May 11, 2012 at 12:57 PM
Comment #60Nah, everybody goes on about his work ethic, but whenever I see him, he’s either got the ball and therefore is hesitating to take somebody on, he’s falling over, or he’s walking. Find myself getting very, very frustrated at him.
I just don’t see where he’s racked up 8 marathons.
Pardew's fist pump
May 11, 2012 at 12:57 PM
Comment #61Moussa Sissoko only has year remaining on his contract, at a club without european competition next season! He’s been an almost ever present in DM, playing an integral part in the best defensive record in Ligue 1, go get him Pards!
________Tiote__Sissoko________
___________Cabaye
Jonas, Amalfitano (Guthries direct replacement in my view), Vuckic, Abeid and Gosling vying for a spot. Would be just about complete in that department.
JackButler
May 11, 2012 at 12:57 PM
Comment #62*is* not if
bosamuelson
May 11, 2012 at 1:01 PM
Comment #63Hey folks,
I am running a marathon to raise money for the cancer charity Macmillan. Any donations would be really appreciated.
http://www.justgiving.com/Samuel-Waldron
Thanks Guys 🙂
JackButler
May 11, 2012 at 1:02 PM
Comment #64Having Marveuax back fully fit make things interesting next season, very much like HBA he will (I hope) be a massive player for us
LewSpi
May 11, 2012 at 1:05 PM
Comment #65JB
I agree, can’t wait to get him back. Looked very promising at the start of the season.
Minato
May 11, 2012 at 1:05 PM
Comment #66Lew i don’t think he is that kind of player anymore and certainly isnt used that way anymore. He is a clever player in that regard. How many times have we seen him win the ball and start a move off by keeping it simple? Or dropping back when Santon has gone too far into an attack? I mainly only see him falling over when he has won the ball and has little space to move the ball on…and as with most seasoned professionals he knows how and when to earn a freekick.
Seems like a negative thing to say but sometimes even an action like taking the pressure off can be vital in keeping games tight. Jonas is not the same player we bought into the club. He is more of a link player now than an attacking one..and I personally feel we have been better off forward.
Why do we need him bombing forward and whipping balls in when we have other attack minded players to do this? We have been most vulnerable due to our attacking full backs and I think without him we would have shipped far more goals. Yes hes tired the man is everywhere! Im more weary of players that look fresh as a daisy at this stage of the season.
Minato
May 11, 2012 at 1:07 PM
Comment #67wary*
sptlucas
May 11, 2012 at 1:07 PM
Comment #68would no one fancy a punt on rodellega on a free
LewSpi
May 11, 2012 at 1:11 PM
Comment #69Minato
I agree that he’s now a different player, I just think that if e is now being used in this role, then there are better players at doing this job, he’s essentially playing a Tiote type role when we play 433.
I think it’s just like Check said, in both DM and LW he lacks a little something, whether it’s creativeness or pace.
JackButler
May 11, 2012 at 1:11 PM
Comment #70LewSpi – Marveuax and Saylor back fully fit with a few Carr specials thrown into the mix……ooooohhhhhhhhh can’t wait for next season already 🙂
toonincheek
May 11, 2012 at 1:14 PM
Comment #71My vote goes to Jonas.
His hard work is part of the team commitment and work ethic.
And he DOES make a good contribution, in various ways, as has been described above.
LewSpi
May 11, 2012 at 1:16 PM
Comment #72Haha, the European away days alone have got my blood pumping (and my bank manager sweating.)
CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon)
May 11, 2012 at 1:17 PM
Comment #73LewSpi…we’re all entitled to different opinions. As I said, I found him really frustrating at LW, but as a CM I really like him. There certainly will be better players for the position, but the example he set’s on field is amazing imo.
JackButler
May 11, 2012 at 1:19 PM
Comment #74I’ve criticised Jonas as much as anyone, but the amount of work he has done over the seasons protecting the full backs, Jose, Raylor and Santon can’t go unnoticed, so much of his attacking ability has been compromised for the sake of his defensive duties
CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon)
May 11, 2012 at 1:20 PM
Comment #75Sounded a little cold there, didn’t mean it that way if that’s how it’s come across 🙂
LewSpi
May 11, 2012 at 1:23 PM
Comment #76Nah I understand everybody see’s it differently. It’d be boring if we didn’t. 🙂
Beattie25
May 11, 2012 at 1:24 PM
Comment #77Ibiza that statement was very unlike you.
I still love you though
In a plutonic way
JackButler
May 11, 2012 at 1:26 PM
Comment #78Anyone think Gosling will stay next season, as it seems that Guthrie is on his way out (a mistake in my opinion) surely we will need Gosling especially as WE ARE IN EUROPE AGAIN 🙂 (sorry for the caps but we are in Europe Again)
Toon_Tom
May 11, 2012 at 1:29 PM
Comment #79we will have a new CM/CDM/CAM next season to play with Cabs and Tiote, I think Marveux will prove to be a better winger than Jonas so although his effort and work rate has been immense, i think next season Jonas will be sat on the bench quite alot IMO.
With cup runs and Europe/a he will still obv feature alot, but not in our strongest starting 11
CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon)
May 11, 2012 at 1:31 PM
Comment #80Beattie I’m sorry to have disappointed you, but thank you for your continued love and support.
Lewspi…Indeed. One thing is for sure, it’s never boring supporting the toon 🙂