Played for Newcastle: 2011-2014 Position: Centre Midfielder League Appearances: 79 League goals: 17 I've heard Yohan Cabaye described as being a first-class footballer but one that went missing at times and appeared lazy? I'm afraid the people who accuse the Paris Saint-Germain reject of not grafting hard during his time at St James' Park are wrong. During the 2011-12 season the French midfielder was the most hard-working player in the league (according to Opta's stats) and covered 85.3km in just 648 minutes of game time. He also made the third highest amount of tackles during the first half of the season and certainly wasn't afraid of putting his foot in. The 29-year-old scored in the Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland in a 11 draw on 21 October 2012 and then wrote his name into Newcastle United folklore by scoring the winner in the 10 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on 7 December 2013 (and scored a wonderful free-kick against the Red Devils in a 3-0 win at St James' park in 2012). On what was to be his final game Cabaye bagged a brace in a 31 win over fellow Premier League side West Ham United. Cabaye's admiral determination, skilful midfield play and endless effort earned him instant legendary status at Newcastle United and despite his decision to force a move to PSG in January 2014 (and kind of going on strike) the midfielder will always be remembered (by most) as one of the finest central midfielders ever to have played for the club.
NCTJ-accredited football writer with an MA in Sports Journalism. What Culture football editor. Write for the official Newcastle United programme. Former video reporter at North News. Featured and published in the Sunderland Echo, Shields Gazette, Mail Online, The Mirror, The Sun and others.
