One way you can tell if a player really wants to improve his game is whether he’s honest and straight forward with himself about his game, and certainly Moussa Sissoko seems to know both his strengths and weaknesses, and he certainly wants to improve as a footballer – and we expect he will – big time – at Newcastle United over the next couple of years.
Moussa Sissoko – one powerful player
Moussa Sissoko has been little short of a revelation since he arrived on Tyneside from Toulouse for a measly £1.8M in January, and he is already a huge favorite with the Newcastle fans , and in 11 appearances so far for Newcastle, he has three goals and four assists – and that’s not too bad at all.
Moussa has already won the Premier League Player of the Month award, and while he ‘s definitely not the finished article yet, he still looks an excellent player who is tailor-made for the Premier League.
There’s no better sight than to see Moussa get the ball, say on the left wing, and then power away from the opposing players, who find it hard to keep up with the Frenchman, such is his speed and power.
Sissoko has been given a fairly free role in the Newcastle team under Alan Pardew, and while he played defensive midfield a lot at Toulouse, the Newcastle manager has used him as an attacking midfielder during his time at Newcastle.
This is what Moussa said as he weighed up what he sees as his strengths and his weaknesses at the moment:
“The main thing I lack is that I miss too many opportunities, I spoil it, I rush it.” “I was criticized for that at Toulouse, and there are also the critics at Newcastle. I score quite rarely considering the opportunities I get.”
“I just have to take my time and be more accurate, be less powerful.” “The day before playing the friendly against Germany in early February, French team coach Didier Deschamps teased me about the number 10 position I have in Newcastle, telling me I should not expect to play just behind Karim Benzema.”
“I don’t consider myself as a play-maker, but at Newcastle, I bring my speed in the gaps.” “Will I play on Tuesday against Spain? I like to play in the center as at Newcastle or a bit more in defense – but I won’t ask for anything. If I have to play on the right, that would be great.”
We expect Sissoko to start the game tonight for France against Spain in Paris in World Cup qualifying, and we also think that Newcastle central midfielder Yohan Cabaye will also be in the starting eleven for France, and a win will see them move 5 points ahead of the reigning World Champions in their Group I.
It’s going to be some game – that’s for sure.
Comments welcome.
Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook and +1 us on Google+:
You can also reach Ed at admin@nufcblog.com
=============================================
104 comments so far
Tsunki
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:13 PM
Comment #41I think you are mistaking my designation of unworthy poster to a purely negative one. Not at all, as I believe that somewhere between the extremes of all things is the nearest we will get to the truth, the contrast is essential in order to guage the middle line. I am advocating deleting habitually nuisance trolls and constant single-track griping from those who offer no reasoning behind their stance. Who would miss them? not me and it would certainly save time, it would be like removing a non-musical trumpet player from the room where you are trying to have a sensible conversation.
Think of it this way, if the blog was ‘policed’ in this way, wouldn’t you still have the freedom to voice your reasoned opposition to it? If so, then it would have worked.
As for the posters who insist on marginalising the bad reflection that the Wigan Cosmos affair has had on the public image of the club and its followers, I would suggest they are part of the problem with their way of thinking on the matter.
Tinman
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:13 PM
Comment #42ToonDarnSarf, some decent ideas for blog upgrade. Not sure how easy it is to do as I have no idea of website design.
Rotonda, I would rather watch Real Madrid and Brazil play football than Barca and Spain. I love the way both Real and Brazil arent afraid to absorb a little bit of pressure only to win the ball and rip apart a backtracking defence with a rapid counter attack. There are more than two ways to play the game mate.
Super Magpie
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:14 PM
Comment #43TDS
Yes, I’d like to see a post count and a join date.
It doesn’t really matter if someone has more posts, it just shows who is more active on the blog. I don’t mean that in a competitive way.
I don’t know if it would be possible for Ed to do this. It’s not the end of the world if it doesn’t happen and it isn’t exactly something that the blog desperately needs.
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:17 PM
Comment #44nick_9 – how many fans did we have at Wigan? 200-250 of them were causing havoc at Wigan Cosmos, so that’s a fair percentage of that group of fans.
So are you saying that we shouldn’t worry about the odd individuals who shout racist abuse at players? I am not embarrassed to be a Newcastle fan, but at the time it was definitely embarassing as they were there representing our club.
nick_9
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:18 PM
Comment #45Tsunki – part of the problem? Has the club and other fans not put the matter right and restored some of that bad publicity?
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:20 PM
Comment #46Sack Llambias – this is a blog about Newcastle United mate, if I wanted to post about the economy, then I’d do it elsewhere.
As I said, I’ve been really busy for a few days so didn’t get to post earlier, as Tsunki pointed out too, there were some real “loons” posting on those articles, and I just wanted to put in my ten penneth. That’s it put in…
nick_9
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:21 PM
Comment #47Toondarnsarf – I’m saying it was a small group in comparison to the number of Newcastle fans in general. My point is people who tarnish others the same are silly to do so. It’s not a reflection on just Newcastle only, it’s a reflection on society in this country.
Sack Llambias
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:21 PM
Comment #48TDS
Do you watch football at the grounds or on television?
nick_9
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:22 PM
Comment #49I’m not embarrassed to be a Newcastle fan but perhaps embarrassed for those we get kicks out of damaging stuff for fun. I just find it annoying when fans claim to be embarrassed to be a fan of Newcastle.
Sack Llambias
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:22 PM
Comment #50TDS
The point is whether you have over- reacted in your claim of being disgusted.
Rotonda heights
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:27 PM
Comment #51sage
If you seriously think stoke are as good or better to watch than Barca do I really need to finish the sentence !!!!
Barca broke down AC Milan one of the best defensive teams on the planet by 4-0. If we ever did anything like that in the manner they did it, it would be etched in our memories forever.
Transfer Sage
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:31 PM
Comment #52I’m not remotely embarrassed, can’t control the actions of other. Can offer advice and punishment but people make their own decisions.
It annoys me though, yes financially the damage was small but those idiots disrupted a game of football which they had no right to do. If those actions just put a few of the watching kids off the game long term then they should be ashamed of themselves more so than they already should be.
None of us would like our games/hobbies disrupted by a group of drunks, even if it was good natured (not saying this was) at the very least its just plain annoying.
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:31 PM
Comment #53Tsunki/Sack Lambias – The good thing about being able to block negative posters, is that you could leave it up to the individual. Some blogs allow each user to block another user, or even automatically block based on overly negative ratings. If you want to see every single post, then you should be able to.
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:33 PM
Comment #54Tinman – I don’t know either. I think there are template sites like WordPress that are used for some things, so I reckon it would just be a matter of finding the template, looking at the cost, and then putting all of the data into it. I’m not an expert at web design either though…
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:35 PM
Comment #55Super Magpie – I think it would be the same thing. Ed would most likely have to get a new blog template with new features.
Funny though, as I’ve got no interest in either a join date or number of posts. I think those are relevant on certain tech forums where I need some assistance on something as it shows the likely expertise and involvement on the forum, but not bothered on here. Different courses and all that…
Transfer Sage
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:36 PM
Comment #56Rotonda
Clearly Barca at Everett to watch but where’s the fun in seeing such a one sided game? (Understandable if it was Newcastle as we want to see our team dominate but as a neutral it’s not fun I don’t think)
Teams like us under keegan, arsenal a few years back, Madrid, all played a more direct ( don’t mean long ball but getting the ball from defence to opposition goal quicker) than Barca and for me that a better spectacle.
I just find watching Barca spread the play until a gap opens then play a ball trough where messi finishes to be tedious. Only so many times you can watch the same thing as a neutral and not get bored of it. Die hard is a great film but I wouldn’t want to watch it every week.
I just prefer and more balanced game where even if the other team doesn’t have a chance they at least have some possession and a decent chance to threaten.
Barca are technically the best side I have ever seen, amazing skill and good to watch occasionally or in big games but in general it’s just so one sided its dull.
Transfer Sage
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:38 PM
Comment #57Rotonda
It’s a bit like getting a tennis player so could he aces with every serve and returns say 90% of the other serve as a winner.
Technically it’s superb an would be amazing to see, but you’d get bored eventually and rather watch an even game.
Not barca’s fault most teams can’t compete and have to contain, but it’s just how it goes.
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:38 PM
Comment #58nick_9 – I mostly agree with you mate. I only said it was embarassing to be a Newcastle fan when this was in the news a lot. I don’t have much behind me if I’m talking to a mate and telling him how great Newcastle fans are, when there were that lot behaving like cavemen…
And sure, the percentage is low based on overall fans. but it must have bneen 10% or more of the hardcore fans who travelled from Newcastle to Wigan for an away game. They are the ones who represent our club at every other club we play.
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:43 PM
Comment #59Sack Llambias – I’ve watched football in the grounds and on TV. I’ve chanted at our players, I’ve chanted good humoured abuse at the opposition players, the referees, and opposition fans, I’ve slagged of the mackems…that’s all in the spirit of football. This wasn’t.
Imagine if you were playing football on a Sunday with your wife and kids watching you, when 200-250 grown men got off a bus and ran around the pitch mooning people, trashing the goal nets, stealing the ball, chanting, swearing etc. I’d be absolutely steaming, but there was probably nothing they could do with so many loutish men behaving like that.
Alan Pas-de-clue
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:46 PM
Comment #60no sissoko in france starting XI, no bad thing
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:48 PM
Comment #61Transfer Sage – I agree with your point on the game mate. I made the comment before that these players and fans had just as much of a right to enjoy their game as we do with our game without unnecessary disruption. Newcastle United started like that, and we rely on the pyramid of football to support our club.
I think different people get embarrased for different reasons. If a family member of mine behaved like this, then I would be embarassed because it reflects badly on my family. Newcastle United is a bit like one big family, if you meet a fellow Toon fan then you can normally sit down with them over a beer and chat about something you have in common.
DokToon
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:49 PM
Comment #62i wouldnt mind a born in date here… and maybe a counter (like the views one on main page), use it to tally ibiza’s ITK’s 🙂
be nice to see a members list, in case someone wants to email another on here, unless we have that and im clueless, but im on the left side o the pond, and usually am 🙂
Nudd - Back by popular demand
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:50 PM
Comment #63ToonDarnSarf
Stop posting
Shearer260
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:50 PM
Comment #64Taylor isn’t going to get his chance with England tonight either. It’s a shame but I’m sure he’ll get another call up when he’s not just used as back up for injuries.
JAMSHA
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:53 PM
Comment #65FRANCE VS SPAIN LIVE ON TV5 MONDE IN INDIA AT 1.21 AM
Sack Llambias
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:58 PM
Comment #66Tsunki. @ 40
I like it. Your not big brother after all. Playing devils advocate
I rather like the Barmy Army acting as 12th man to our cricket side and they are appalling on the trumpet. Thanks for the Craic.
Eddie
Mar 26, 2013 at 6:58 PM
Comment #67Can’t wait to see Moussa and Vernon pair up in midfield with Cabs in front of them. We need the bid man’s close control, power and mobility in the centre.
Jamiemac
Mar 26, 2013 at 7:08 PM
Comment #68Can someone help me out?
Im trying to buy a ticket for the match against Benfica.. I’m a student and in the article it says Adults = £15, students = £10 but when I go to buy the tickets the only age band they allow me to choose is Adult, Junior or Senior and I fit into none of them.
Any help would be appreciated.
Mr Random
Mar 26, 2013 at 7:19 PM
Comment #69Is there any newcastle fans on this blog from blackburn? I’ve always wanted to go watch a toon game but I can only use public transport as I don’t drive and trains are mega expensive to nufc! Been a dream of mine to sit with the toon at St James!
Mr Random
Mar 26, 2013 at 7:19 PM
Comment #70Also to add….i have never met another nufc fan in blackburn! Weird!
Big Pappa Cissé
Mar 26, 2013 at 7:31 PM
Comment #71Does anyone elae get sick of looking at Adrian Chiles face or is it just me 🙂
OhSholaAmeobi
Mar 26, 2013 at 7:37 PM
Comment #72Going to be relatively optimistic and predict a 2-1 defeat at city, followed by a hard fought 0-0 in portugal, then 3 good wins on the bounce at home to fulham, benfica and the mackems. And this guy is gonna score a few more – if we give him a rest at some point, he looks nackered!
yo-yo
Mar 26, 2013 at 7:50 PM
Comment #73Sack TDS etc
I got off the blog last night as it just seemed like arguing with a sick mind. The pro thugs were impossible to get any point across to – better off elsewhere. Not such reasoned argument as the thread above
JAMSHA
Mar 26, 2013 at 8:09 PM
Comment #74CABAYE PLAYN LIKE A WORLD CLASS… WITH WORLD CLASS PASSES
toonarmydownsouth
Mar 26, 2013 at 8:12 PM
Comment #75BPC
Not as sick as i get having to listen to the clueless tub!
Rooney actually looking like the old Rooney he’s winning absolutely everything and unlucky to only have 1 goal 10 mins in could of easily been 2!
JAMSHA
Mar 26, 2013 at 8:19 PM
Comment #76BENZIMA = WASTE
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 26, 2013 at 8:25 PM
Comment #77Yo-yo – I couldn’t agree more. I like/thumbs up/vote up your post sir
yo-yo
Mar 26, 2013 at 8:33 PM
Comment #78Also have mixed feelings about the blog structure – been too busy at work to post much recently and leccy off for four days too.
I like the idea of being able to search for bloggers comments as scanning back can take ages and so referring to a previous comment in a box like a lot of footy blogs would help a lot. Not sure about voting up and down – I just ignore the WUMs / eejits / weirdos unless they are funny with it these days and try to avoid posting slag off comments but was riled up last night with the hooligan supporters on here so took a pop. It just makes them worse most of the time too.
Big Pappa Cissé
Mar 26, 2013 at 8:39 PM
Comment #79Can someone explain how Cleverly gets in the England team ? . I reckon I could sit in midfield and do what he does every game 🙂
toonLYF
Mar 26, 2013 at 8:44 PM
Comment #80BPC…
because he plays for Man United