Newcastle Transfers: 8 Reasons Why Hatem Ben Arfa May Have To Be Sold

7. Loses Possession Too Easily

Moments like that aformentioned goal against Bolton, or this almost-as-impressive solo goal versus Blackburn are always going to be few and far between, unless you are Lionel Messi. Any ball-dribbler is likely to find the opposition try to crowd him out, and that is what has happened to Ben Arfa a lot since his arrival in England. As good as he is on the ball, the frustration at losing possession, particularly for a manager like Pardew who encourages a passing style of play, must be a lot to bear. As long as you have the ball, the opposition cannot hurt you, but if one player does too much and runs his way into trouble, Newcastle often look vulnerable on the counter attack. The problem with managing this side of Ben Arfa is that you don't want him to stop expressing himself - more to save it for the right moment. If Ben Arfa, Pardew, and his coaching staff cannot find that moment more regularly, he will remain a benchwarmer, and possibly find himself elsewhere in January or the summer.