In 1999, Johan Cruijff called David Ginola the best player in the world, so it might be something of a surprise that the Frenchman is pushed out of the Greatest Premier League XI by his compatriot, but Laurent Robert was a phenomenal talent. Though prone to sulking, and going missing for 70 minutes, Robert remained one of the most important of Sir Bobby Robson's "blue chip" players thanks to his assist rate and his incredibly knack for scoring goal of the season contenders. Like some of the best French talents Newcastle have had over the years, Robert shone brightly but briefly, but he was the greatest crosser of the ball Newcastle fans have seen in the Premier League, and the best free-kick taker. Has his attitude been better, he could well have been classed as one of the league's finest players, but he showed enough in his time at the club to prove himself the best for the left midfield berth.
