10 Hardest Men That Ever Played For Newcastle United

6. Cheick Tiote

Tiote is a hardman in the traditional mould, enjoying the physical aspect of his role as a holding midfielder and snapping into tackles like a shark in an ocean of dangling legs even if it means risking an injury in the process. Although he's considered a yellow card magnet by the Toon faithful there is no faulting his commitment and a willingness to put his body on the line for the club makes him a fearsome presence in the Newcastle engine room.

On his day Tiote is a monster capable of extreme intimidation from his central perch. Just ask Wayne Rooney who he was left battered and bruised by the robust Ivory Coast international after being doggedly hounded and barely given space to breathe for the entirety of the Magpies' 3-0 victory over Manchester United in January 2011.