My Top Five Newcastle United Players:
Since the inception of the Premier League in 1992, Newcastle United have had their fair share of Pre-Madonna's and footballing divas. But the prestigious club has also had its fair share of mindblowingly good players. But it is when the two categories clash that a true, fan favourite is born; like poles colliding. When a mercurial talent washes up onto the shores on Tyneside, the fans are love struck. Remember player like: Tino Asprilla, Laurent Robert and Paul Gascoine? All oozing in talent, but could you put your life on them to perform? The answer is no. Which is what makes the likes of them beautiful to watch, you never knew what to expect. It could be a moment of madness, or sheer brilliance.
Anyhow, in my latest article, I will be taking you through my five favourite players ever to pull on a Newcastle United jersey. You will more likely than not, discover that my five favourite players were/are mercurial in the nature; meaning the first paragraph was not in vain!
#5: Shola Ameobi:
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| Shola Ameobi |
I know what you're all thinking: Shola 'I only score once a season' Ameobi?. But yes, Shola Ameobi is one of my favourite Newcastle United players for many reasons. He burst onto the scene as 19 year old, in 2001, during the golden days of Sir Bobby Robsons reign at Newcastle and he has been here ever since. He has unquestionable loyalty to the shirt; something not many footballers have in the current days. He has garnered the alias of 'The Mackem Slayer' by the Toon fathful, due to his knack for netting against Newcastle's bitter rivals Sunderland. Ameobi actually is the highest scoring living player with the most derby day goals: with 7 goals in 12 appearances against the Black Cats. If you could have any player in the world for one game against Sunderland: Choose Shola Ameobi. But for the other 36 games of the season, go with a more consistent striker.
#4: Pappis Demba Cisse:
Pappis Demba Cisse, currently wears the famous numer nine Jersey at Newcastle, a shirt once worn by the likes of: Alan Shearer, Andrew Carroll and Jackie Milburn. He arrived in the January transfer window of 2012, and set the Premier League alight with some sensational goals. He made an instant impact with the Newcastle fans, netting against Aston Villa; with a Shearer-esque strike, that sizzled into the top corner. He over-shadowed his compatriot Demba Ba towards the end of the season, scoring in almost every game he played in. His most memorable strike would perhaps be the Premier League Goal of the Season against Chelsea; which made it 0-2, and allowed Newcastle to win at Stamford Bridge for the frst time in almost thirty years. An amazing finisher, and mercurial player; a textbook Newcastle player, and a deserved Number nine.
#3: Alan Shearer:
Alan Shearer only third?! this must be blasphemy, especially when I am a Newcastle fan. However, I do have good reason behind this selection. On the pitch Shearer was a fantastic captain, as well as a clinical finisher; his goal against Everton lives long in the memory. However, off the pitch Alan Shearer -in my opinion- seems arrogant and pompous: this is blasphemy. Newcastles all time top goalscorer, never scored 'boring' goals, they were almost always spectacular. He is the best English centre forward ever. Bar none. He will also forever be remembered as: Newcastle's local hero.
#2: Andy Cole:
Back in the day of 'The Entertainers' Andy Cole, was Newcastle's finest striker. He netted 68 times in 84 appearances, before he was sold to the might of Manchester United; which left the City of Newcastle seething in anger. Like Shearer, Andy Cole knew how to score; scoring 271 league goals in his long and illustrious career. Fast on his feet and skillful on the ball, Andy Cole, gets the nod above Shearer due to his 81% strike conversion rate.
#1: Laurent Robert:
Laurent Robert is my favourite Newcastle player of all time. He is precisely the type of player the fans love. Absolutely mercurial. He has comparisons with Hatem Ben Arfa, and David Ginola. Robert's freekicks were thunderous and more often than not accurate; he had a tendency to shoot from long ranges, once scoring from 40m away. He spent five years on Tyneside, during that time, he managed to have: a bust up with the manager Graeme Souness, knock Oliver Bernard unconscious with a shot and before bowing out on Tyneside, he stripped off infront of the Gallowgate end and threw his kit into the fans. Laurent Robert, was the ultimate 'on the edge of your seat' player. I remember two goals vividly: His diving backheel against Fulham, as well as 'that' free-kick against Liverpool (The one Santiago Munez took in Goal!). It's just a shame Robert is remembered for his troubles with club hierarchies than his undoubted skill.
Again, like always, thanks for reading; and I hope you have enjoyed it! keep checking back for more sport related articles!Email: Ryan.Rowley@live.co.uk
Twitter: RyanRowley23
