9. Vurnon Anita And Jack Colback Aren't A Good Enough Double Pivot. (A Fit Cheick Tiote Should Start)
The pairing is simply the weakest part of Newcastle's rejuvenated squad under Steve McClaren. It ruins the impressive core that the Magpies are building and it's in major need of improvement. Like a well-dressed man who has worn a batman-themed belt with his elegantly refined three-piece suit, the double pivot of Jack Colback and Vurnon Anita looks simply disgraceful. As a holding midfielder you have to posses a number of skills and quite simply Vurnon Anita and Jack Colback do not withhold them in their footballing-abattoir. Neither player makes you feel comfortable on the ball, nor do they dictate the tempo of matches. Both their passing skills are flawed and despite the pair's industrious nature being rightfully applauded, the holding midfield department needs work and as soon as Cheick Tiote is fit the Ivorian should start.
NCTJ-accredited football writer with an MA in Sports Journalism. What Culture football editor. Write for the official Newcastle United programme. Former video reporter at North News. Featured and published in the Sunderland Echo, Shields Gazette, Mail Online, The Mirror, The Sun and others.
