Gini Wijnaldum was the first player signed by Newcastle in the summer, and but our Man of the Match polling he was our best player yesterday against Southampton when we drew 2-2 with the club who finished 7th in the Premier League last season.
Vurnon Anita – the challenge where he was injured
Newcastle now have a number of Dutchman at the club and we had five playing yesterday in our first game of the season – Tim Krul, Daryl Janmaat, Vurnon Anita, Gini Wijnaldum and Siem de Jong came on as a substitute.
With head coach Steve McClaren having experience in managing in Holland at FC Twente, that could mean that even more Dutchmen will be joining Newcastle in the future.
This is what Vurnon has said about our latest Dutch arrival at the club – Gini Wijnaldum:
“He will be a great addition,” “He’s a very technical player and can be effective inside and outside the box.”
“You saw in the first half how he got into a great position to score and he was so happy that he scored with his second chance, so that the first one could be forgotten.”
“There are a lot of Dutch players here now, and we’ll certainly be doing our best for the club.”
“There’s always been a bit of a connection between Dutch people and Newcastle – partly because of the players that have been here in the past, and partly because it’s close to Holland.”
“I think there’s probably even more interest now because there are more of us.” “We’re happy with most of the things we did.”
“We started fairly sharply and dominated for large periods.” “But we didn’t win and that’s obviously a disappointment.”
“We were 2-1 up, and when you’re in that position, you have to see the game out.”
It wasn’t so long ago that we had eleven French players in the Newcastle squad although that didn’t work out too well but Frenchmen Moussa Sissoko and Massadio Haidara started the game on Sunday.
Four Dutchmen started the game and once Siem de Jong is fully match fit he could make it five.
It looks like when Newcastle’s games are on there will be a quite a large TV audience in Holland watching the games.
It also will make it that much easier to attract top Dutchmen to Newcastle, but it looks like we missed out on Memphis Depay.
🙂
Vurnon was taken off in the second half yesterday after seemingly injuring his hip, but Steve McClaren after the game thought it was not serious, and it even looks like he will be fit for the tough game at Swansea on Saturday.
Hope so.
Comments welcome.
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80 comments so far
swemag
Aug 10, 2015 at 11:21 PM
Comment #1Donuts anybody?
Blackley and Brownlie
Aug 10, 2015 at 11:21 PM
Comment #2Wijnaldum was my MOTM. Outstanding PL debut.
Sissoko was immense. Mbemba also had a highly creditable PL debut.
Colback was his usual self. I don’t know why he gets so much bad press from some on here.
ITUNDERASHELL
Aug 10, 2015 at 11:31 PM
Comment #3Get Willems in and a top notch CB in and watch this team play real footy.
Bambams
Aug 10, 2015 at 11:32 PM
Comment #4Van Dijk would settle very well in this team. No doubt the powers that be will be aware of this also……
blew
Aug 10, 2015 at 11:40 PM
Comment #5@3
Willems is 5’7″ don’t you think a lack of
height is a problem at the back ?
Take a Chancel on me
Aug 10, 2015 at 11:41 PM
Comment #6Obertan played for “tactical” reasons
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/steve-mcclaren-reveals-reasons-fielding-9827720
switch365
Aug 10, 2015 at 11:56 PM
Comment #7Jetro Willems is a lb not cb, and a shit hot lb at that.
There’s talk of 3 players still wanted before the window shuts, should we manage to get Willems, Abdennour and Shakiri, it would make up for all the crap Ashley has put us fans through.
It would also potentially give us a better team than Keegan’s Entertainers imo
Munster Mag
Aug 11, 2015 at 12:01 AM
Comment #8Blackley i’m not so certain re mbemba debut from the sky stuff i saw. Why so pleased?
jimmysmith
Aug 11, 2015 at 12:06 AM
Comment #9Is Obertan good enough to be a regular starter for Newcastle? No, but potentially certainly yes. Pace, power and the ability to cross like that, and score dynamic goals, intelligent, incredibly fit and a willing runner. If he was consistent, he’d still be at United. It’s no real surprise the club won’t or can’t give up on him, and of course we aren’t of a stature to easily attract better, and he’s under contract and on decent money, so hard to shift.
Blackley and Brownlie
Aug 11, 2015 at 12:08 AM
Comment #10Munster
Mbemba looks quick, solid and looks like he can mix it when he needs to. I don’t see other top defenders stopping Pelle for that first one. Janmaat wasn’t strong enough for the second. It’s early days but it was a very good start for him.
switch365
Aug 11, 2015 at 12:21 AM
Comment #11Mbemba is also capable of taking the ball out of defence going up field and has a cracking shot on him.
I think McC’s hand was forced a little, having to replace Anita, who himself had a very solid game.
In hindsight I wonder if he thinks he’d have been better bringing on Aarons rather than de Jong and switching Sissoko to a central role.
Still early days but exciting times ahead.
toonicle
Aug 11, 2015 at 12:27 AM
Comment #12Now get Willems in!
switch365
Aug 11, 2015 at 12:39 AM
Comment #13The future’s bright, the future’s Oranje rofl
jimmysmith
Aug 11, 2015 at 12:41 AM
Comment #14The other thing in Obertans favor is we also have Sissoko and Mitrovic, and if McClaren can get those three playing with the bit between their teeth its hard to imagine a more intimidating or remorseless prospect for an opposition back four. Would make the likes of Perez, Aarons, Cabella and Cisse look positively featherweight by comparison, despite their undoubted skills.
Brian Pinas
Aug 11, 2015 at 1:04 AM
Comment #15jimmy.
watch southampton’s second goal again.
now, is Obertan a willing runner?
Mister Tuff
Aug 11, 2015 at 1:26 AM
Comment #16There are a few on here that must think that because Obertron has a fine physique and is fast – that he’ll will make a good footballer – he won’t. Because he has one or two memorable moments per season does not mean he needs to restore his confidence and then he’ll be Messi Mk2.
He will never ever be a top flight footballer, not his fault it’s just the way it is. He might try his best -but it’s not good enough for to class football.
I despair when some seem to suggest he’s going to turn into something he’s not.
Come on lads -he’s a poor player – and if he was going to evolve into something he would have done it by now.
Irishmag
Aug 11, 2015 at 1:33 AM
Comment #17So looks like obertan was used for tactical reasons which I think was a way of saying premier league experience, he wanted to have a go at the new signing and thought obertan would be experienced enough to listen and do what he is told…Really hope we unleash Aarons on Swansea tho!!
Novocastrian66
Aug 11, 2015 at 1:36 AM
Comment #18Mister Tuff; I hate to break the bad news but Obertan is a top flight footballer. Maybe not a very good one but a top flight footballer nonetheless.
Mister Tuff
Aug 11, 2015 at 1:49 AM
Comment #19Novo – I mean he is not a top flight footballer – ie quality player at the highest level as opposed to a player who plays in the top flight but who is crap.
Novocastrian66
Aug 11, 2015 at 2:07 AM
Comment #20Mister Tuff; aye I know what you mean. I was pulling your leg a bit. I thought he had a canny game on Sunday, he is too inconsistent though. Perhaps McClaren can get the best out of him, it maybe a lack of confidence which leads to his inconsistent form.
Mister Tuff
Aug 11, 2015 at 2:46 AM
Comment #21novo – I’ve done a few profiles on here for Obertron – from Bordeaux to the Toon. He’s only scored about 5 or 6 top flight goals in 9 years. Really he’s had his chance and needs replacing.
As for confidence I’ve posted articles on here quoting him that he should be in the France squad and that facing an oponent he will back his skill every time – not the words I would suggest of someone who lacks confidence. And at that off to the pit.
lukes26
Aug 11, 2015 at 2:59 AM
Comment #22Oberton is what he is. If Fergie couldnt transform him, I doubt anyone else will.
He does scare full backs with his speed though. can only last 60-70 minutes. Wasnt really defending for last 20 minutes of the game
expatmag
Aug 11, 2015 at 3:06 AM
Comment #23TUFF
you are verging on the “toonbrotherish” in your dislike for Obertan……lol
ilovetoon8788
Aug 11, 2015 at 3:09 AM
Comment #24obertan is still a decent squad player to have. sure, we can upgrade on him next season, but it’s not a priority yet. he’s doing his job. that cross for Gini goal was Solano-esque.
brklyngeordie
Aug 11, 2015 at 3:38 AM
Comment #25Please let’s intercept the deal for Shaqiri and bring Willens in we are set
will die for the toon army
Aug 11, 2015 at 4:18 AM
Comment #26If Willems comes to NUFC, Mcca cld b shifting Durmett to CB and we will have the back up CB who can put pressure on both Mbemba and Colo coz Durmett Is really competitive. Never let down till he won his position off Santon.
Mcca after he shld go for Byram from Leeds. Give them Willo + 5m.
RB: Janmatt, Bryam
LB: Willems, Haidara
CB: Colo, Mbemba, Durmett,Taylor, Lasceles.
ilovetoon8788
Aug 11, 2015 at 4:32 AM
Comment #27Have to say Anita’s deep play was integral to our play at Southampton. He was the main man in building up attack from deep with his simple passing.
When he left we just disintegrated. Tiote is not in the same league with Anita.
will die for the toon army
Aug 11, 2015 at 4:33 AM
Comment #28Impressed with Willems. Good signing might b better than wat we have.
Shaqiri wld b good bt he is a Stoke player. Stoke increased its offer last afternoon.
will die for the toon army
Aug 11, 2015 at 4:35 AM
Comment #29shocking but Anita won no single tackle.
will die for the toon army
Aug 11, 2015 at 4:57 AM
Comment #30Competition of Places if Possible:
In:
Wijnaldum, Mbemba, Mitrovic, Byram, Willems, Shaqiri. £60m
Out:
Marvuex, Santon, Pardew, Woodman, Mbiwa, Vuckic, Willo, Goufrann, Fergie, Bigi, Jonas, R. Taylor. £20m.
Net Spent: 40m.
Squad:
GK: Krul, Darlow, Elliott
RB: Janmmatt, Byram
LB: Willems, Haidara
CB: Colo, Mbemba, Dummett, Taylor, Lasceles
CM: Anita, Colback, Tiote, Abeid
CAM: Wijnaldum, De Jong
RM: Sissoko, Perez, Obertan
LM: Shaqiri, Cabella, Aarons
CF: Mitrovic, Cisse, Rivere.
That is a good and competive squad in all positions. CB might still b an issue but Dummett is good and competitive back up who can eventually become a starter.
team:
……………………..Krul
Janmmatt…..Mbemba…….Colo…….Willems
………………..Anita…………….Colback
Sissoko…………….Wijnaldum. …………Shaqiri
…………………………Mitrovic
Subs:
Darlow, Dummett, Tiote, De Jong, Perez, Cabella, Cisse.
No Aarons coz he is 3rd in ranking for LM position if Shaqiri can be pulled off.
That Squad can compete for Cups and Premier league. Top 8 and latest Quarter final.
Good morning lads and have a nice day.
JDdubai
Aug 11, 2015 at 5:39 AM
Comment #31So where is Shaqiri guys? If he passed the medical and agreed terms why havent stoke announced?? Dare we dream…
will die for the toon army
Aug 11, 2015 at 5:47 AM
Comment #32JDdubai
Dare we dream but i heard last afternoon that they increased their offer to match 13.5m
matt11_25
Aug 11, 2015 at 6:09 AM
Comment #33Stoke raising their offer doesn’t make any sense.. Didn’t they already have any offer accepted? Shaq was at the stoke game.. Don’t see him coming, maybe stoke raised their salary offer
Mister Tuff
Aug 11, 2015 at 6:19 AM
Comment #34expat – it’s not a question of whether I like or dislike Obertron – I do not know the bloke so how can I like or dislike him.
Because I criticise him as a footballer does not mean I dislike him.
JDdubai
Aug 11, 2015 at 6:26 AM
Comment #35The fee isnt the issue i think, they had a bid accepted months ago.
Its what Shaqiri wants, and clearly he didnt want to go to stoke otherwise he would have been there 6 weeks ago, if everton or us have a bid accepted i think he would at least want to talk to the clubs. Stoke are a last resort.
It does seem odd though how a player rated so highly and available for “only” 12m is moving to stoke. Why would no CL team want him? Why would inter sell after 6 months? It seems to add up that something is wrong with his personaility or something other than his ability.
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Aug 11, 2015 at 6:47 AM
Comment #36JDdubai…i have mentioned this before clearly there is something suspect with his attitude…nobody seems to want him!
Maybe we should just stay clear!
Toonfan8
Aug 11, 2015 at 6:50 AM
Comment #37I dont think we will get Shaqiri, Willems. Althought, they would be great additions to our squad…They have cracking left foot both and Willems is some player on LB…
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Aug 11, 2015 at 6:55 AM
Comment #38I have to second Senor Tuffs assessment of Overtan!
Another valid point is just because someone like the personality / professionalism of a players doesn’t it make him a good football player!
There seems to be a confusion about that on here sometimes.
Santon03
Aug 11, 2015 at 6:56 AM
Comment #39Why do you want Shaqiri? have you seen him playing week in week out? He rarely made any crosses and not good ones, he likes to dribble and shoot from distance, and his dribbling isn’t as good as HBA. That’s why he rarely played for Inter, when he played mostly as a sub or getting subbed. So what do you like about Shaqiri?
Jail for Ashley
Aug 11, 2015 at 7:07 AM
Comment #40Whether we like it or not Collo is here for the next two years, he would not be given the captaincy only to be dropped for a better player. To replace Collocini with a better younger model will cost 8/10M pounds. It seems Mashers would rather run him into the ground before scrapping him in the hope that one of our existing youngsters come good.