While some will point at the longevity of Warren Barton's career at Newcastle as proof of his superiority, the Englishman's tendency to back-off too much and his lack of commanding presence in the air pushed him down the list behind the brief time the now Arsenal man spent at Newcastle. Signed after an extended flirtation with Lille, Cabaye's best friend had an almost immediate impact on the first team, earning plaudits particularly for his attacking play and his uncanny ability to win everything in the air. Yes, he did have a tendency to be a bit over-enthusiastic in the tackle, but he was easily the most technically gifted and exciting right-back Newcastle have ever had in the Premier League. And while Daryl Janmaat looks a good replacement, the Frenchman remains a big missing piece of Pardew's puzzle.
