It's amazing how much Colo and Taylor compliment each other nowadays. Last season I think we all felt Williamson, although a limited defender himself, was much better foil for Colo than young, rash Taylor, who whilst individually talented seemed to upset the stability of the entire defense. So good to see Taylor has matured into a steady influence and he has apparently overcome his physical problems regarding recurring injuries. Let's hope Colo signs this new contract and we are settled in that area for the next few years.
What will be interesting though, is how Pardew sees the need to bring in an additional centre back, as we currently only have three CB's at the club. It would be madness to bring in a first choice centre back to replace either Colo or Taylor. We have decent cover for Taylor in Williamson, but lack the ball playing, intelligent break up play backup for Colo. However, this type of player would be really hard to find and would probably not come to be second choice. So I'm guessing we would be looking for somebody like Bassong when he first came: young, talented and not too far away from first team action if need be, but with the patience to be brought in gradually over the next few years.