Newcastle: 10 Best Foreign Signings In The Premier League Era

6. Cheick Tiote

Arriving as a virtual unknown from FC Twente in August 2010 the Ivory Coast international has since crafted a reputation as a tool for bludgeoning the opposing midfield into submission in four years at St James' Park. Notorious for getting on the wrong side of Premier League referees with his tendency to overzealously barrell into the tackles it's far from surprising that Tiote has amassed 42 yellow cards from 106 games in black and white. Although he's often regarded as a booking waiting to happen by Toon supporters it's his robust style and committed retrieval of the ball that make him the heartbeat of Newcastle's engine room. Often urged to shoot when within sight of goal despite registering just the one goal, that sublime late volley in the 4-4 draw with Arsenal, the 28-year-old has come close to doubling his on several occasions this season.