Van Aanholt was signed in January 2010 on a one-month loan deal from Chelsea during the club's stint in the Championship. Forming a very strong partnership down the wing with Jonas Gutierrez, the tough tackler was a real boost to the squad, winning positive reviews from supporters at the time, filling in as Jose Enrique's replacement when the Spaniard was out injured. With a great left foot and the pace to burn, he kept the momentum up the side and helped Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan grab some of the goals needed to get the club back to the top flight. The club were so impressed that they tried to sign him on a permanent deal the following summer but were thwarted by Chelsea's demands. Were it not for Jose Enrique, maybe Van Aanholt would still be at St James' Park rather than now down the road at the Stadium of Light.