Newcastle Transfers: Rating The Toon's French Connection

By Tom Davidson /

5. Mathieu Debuchy

Pronunciation: Math-yer Deh-busch-ee Position: Right Back Former club: Lille Age: 27 Fee: £5.5 million What to expect: Very good friends with Yohan Cabaye (who was apparently instrumental in Debuchy€™s arrival on Tyneside) since both were youth players at Lille almost 10 years ago. Currently establishing himself as France€™s first choice right back (ahead of Bakary Sagna) Debuchy is a very modern full back who is confident going forward and strong in defence. First team: Has already usurped Danny Simpson as first choice right back (though the Englishman's injury won't have helped his cause) and looked solid if unspectacular so far. Expect his form to improve in the coming weeks as he learns more about the pace of the English game and establishes an understanding with his new team mates. He and Hatem Ben Arfa could be the right side of Newcastle United and the France for the next 5 years. http://youtu.be/2ZW2ODde8Is