Or so it would seem... Friday night's game at Gateshead told us quite a lot (for the main points click here) about how Steve McClaren's Newcastle United are looking to go about their business next season. WhatCultureNUFC understands that The Magpies will be using a 4-2-3-1 formation as their first choice system, with new signing Georginio Wijnaldum slotting into one of the two central midfield spots. The Dutchman will be employed as a box-to-box man with either Vurnon Anita or Jack Colback playing alongside him to do the 'dirty work'. However, as McClaren made 11 changes to his team at half time at the International Stadium, the former Middlesbrough boss had one surprise up his sleeve that absolutely no one saw coming. Ayoze Perez, just about Untied's ONLY bright spark in attacking areas last term, played central midfield alongside Cheick Tiote in a 4-2-4 formation. Now, of course, this could have been a case of horse for courses as McClaren simply didn't have the options in the middle of the park to make wholesale changes at the break. Mehdi Abeid and Remy Cabella were in the stadium but unavailable for selection, while Gael Bigirimana had to fill in at right back. Could you really see Emmanuel Riviere, who started the second half up top for United, slotting into midfield and spraying balls here, there and everywhere like an Andrea Pirlo? Nah, me neither.. Ayoze was the best of an unfamiliar bunch the former England manager had to pick from. However, maybe there is something that 'Schteeve' sees in United's resident Spaniard that the rest of us don't. There are a number of facets to the former Tenerife man's game that would suggest a spot in the middle of the park would not suit his game. Even though he does put his body about during a game, you would have to concede that the physical side of being a Premier League midfielder would just be too much for him. While his decision making at crucial times in terms of when and when not to pass the ball to a teammate came under question more than a couple of times last season. Ayoze portrayed THAT kid at school who would never pass the ball all to often last season, although that decision making which sets apart the best from the rest should come to him with more experience. Given the way Perez burst onto the scene last season, coupled with the shortcomings of Emmaneul Riviere, it would be a shame to see Ayoze pulled back but who knows, it could benefit the team in the long run. Then again, this could be a whole load of nothingness and Ayoze Perez will be lining up as one of United's front line strikers as normal. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
