2014/15 has been grim so far, aside from a few flashes of brilliance: it has been a season defined by criticism, protest and furious PR attempts to get everyone behind the team. And despite the form of the team for the majority of 2014, things are looking up: the Magpies have won two in a row in the Premier League, are in the Quarter Finals of the League Cup having knocked out the holders with a team full of youngsters and back-ups, and the relegation zone is behind, even if it's not very far away. It's hardly been a time to remember - cup exploits aside - but there have been some positives in the performances of individual players. Considering how much investment went into the squad this summer, there was bound to be some period od adjustment, and it's not really much of a surprise to note that few of the new signings have really made too much of an impact. Daryl Janmaat has been solid (but he needs to be told where to defend from having spent too much time in wing-back roles), Ayoze Perez looks great, but a little under-used, Emmanuel Riviere is no lone striker, and Remy Cabella needs to bulk up and stop lying down so much. But what of the players who have made a bigger impact? Who deserves to be crowned the best player of the season so far? Here are the top eight (after a special mention)... Honourable Mention
Ryan Taylor
As far as single performances go - that return to fitness against City couldn't really have been any more impressive. Okay, so he didn't score a penalty (he might have it the referee had rightly given it), or indeed any goal, but that incredible save on the line with his midriff was just as impressive and just as useful. And the very fact that he made it to the end of the game without breathing through his backside was testament to his commitment. Inevitably though, the season has been more than one performance so far.
