7 Things Newcastle Fans Need To Know About Henri Saivet

4. He's Been Converted From A Winger Into A Central Midfielder

The last two seasons have been ones of developmental change for Henri Saivet. Initially breaking into the public consciousness as a fleet-footed and tricky winger in the early part of the decade, his physical nature and close control saw Bordeaux increasingly utilise him in a more central position as the years go by. So much so, that it's not safe to say it's his most natural position. However, where Newcastle has no shortage of central players who have been utilised outside (Sissoko successfully, Wijnaldum less so), Saivet's far more naturally accustomed to both positions. However, given the well documented problems of Jack Colback, Vurnon Anita and Cheick Tiote this season, Saivet's guile and dependability is surely going to be better utilised centrally for Newcastle. Newcastle have been accused of a lack of tactical flexibility in recent weeks, with a number of square pegs forced into round holes, Saivet's genuine ability to play in more than one position should hopefully go someway to making the side appear more balanced in differing formations.