10 Ultimate Cult Heroes Of Newcastle United In The Premier League Era

2. Phillipe Albert

Played for NUFC: 1994 - 1999

Appearances: 137, Goals: 12

Few players neither embodied nor embraced the Kevin Keegan philosophy like Albert did €“a central defender whose first inclination was always to attack €“ during a magical five-year spell on Tyneside. An impressive World Cup for Belgium in 1994 alerted Keegan to Albert and he was swiftly snapped up for £2.6 million from Anderlecht with the transfer completed on his 27th birthday. Rumour has it that he refused a move to Italy in favour of Tyneside as he didn€™t quite fancy the warmer climate or the fact most Serie A games were staged on a Sunday. Nevertheless it was to our gain that Albert chose St James€™ Park as his new home. Many will remember him fondly for his tendency to spring into attack when the ball was in our possession or drift around the opposition penalty area with blatant disregard for his defensive duties. He was the true entertainer of the €˜Entertainers€™. Of course we can€™t reminisce about Albert without mentioning THAT goal against Manchester United. Arguably it is the crowing moment of his entire career never mind his half-decade in black and white. €œPhillipe, Phillipe Albert, everyone knows his name€€We€™ll probably never forget it.

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