KaKa

Is this guy the Sissoko replacement, then?

Cabaye replacement.

Could we play Diame and Shelvey together? Do we really need a dedicated holding player?

Don't think we could get away with those two as a midfield pair.

I would love to see Hayden holding, with those two then ahead of him with license to be more forward minded.

It cost £90.

 

Apparently it will only be used in their friendly against Juventus, and in the FA Cup if the FA allow them to use it.

 

It dreams EDL, BNP.

It dreams?! First time I've heard that version of the phrase

He's the same type. Great athlete for his size, though not as quick or explosive as Moussa. Makes direct runs forward with the ball, similar to Moussa, but not in the same dynamic fashion let's say. However, he is better technically IMO, better shot and general control of what he is doing. I like the signing if it comes off.

Seriously, don't get too excited by this transfer. He's not that good and is about to have a second straight season in the Championship for that very reason.

 

He's better than Colback, Anita and Tiote, though. All that matters.

 

Does he play in the same position? I always assumed he was a midfield anchor man when he was playing for Allardyce, but now there are suggestions he's an attacking midfielder.

 

He's an AM who is really good at hide and seek but will score a screamer every 5/6 games.

Well Sissoko scored 1 every 38 games last season, so we're good.

We've had Colback starting in our midfield for the last two years. Sorry, but I'm excited.

What in the world?!

So we're replacing Moussa Sissoko with Momo Diame, who Hull will replace with Momo Sissoko.

Amazing

Happy with the Diame link. Some athleticism in midfield would be amazing. The one midfielder we had with athleticism in Sissoko, ended up playing out wide. Him joining likely relegates Colback to a bench role too. Think it also means Shelvey is unlikely to start games.

WBA agree a deal with West Ham for Sakho. Unlucky mackems.

Pulis man

How many of these types can you have

Imagine avoiding the press after a pre-season friendly man

Started Townsend, Bolasie, Zaha and Puncheon today too

Still hoping for a bit of magic with no plan in place no doubt.

Great start, pitch looks lovely from this high angle

4-3-3?

Wish I was in Newcastle today. Would have loved to be at this.

Knoeckart is a terror at this level. Brighton were on TV a fair bit last season and he was fun to watch.

Some reports that Liverpool are closing in.

Be pretty weird, and quite frankly stunning, if we end up getting £50 - £60 million from Liverpool alone for Gini and Moussa.

Just seen the goal. Fantastic job to win the ball back in the first place, and then take it forward and shoot. Very nice.

Saivet can play that role too don't forget!

How has the front three looked? Aarons on the left or right?

 

It looked alright but Gayle struggled to get involved. Aarons seemed mainly left but they swapped a lot.

Cool, thanks. Shame about Gayle. Really want him to tear it up. Hope Rafa figures out how to get the best out of him.

How has the front three looked? Aarons on the left or right?

How's Hayden on the ball? Can't say I've ever seen a second of him play.

 

Canny, always passes it sideways but he's neat enough.

Considering how limited our other midfielders are defensively, I like the idea of him in there sitting deep and keeping it simple. Protecting the others and covering for their limitations.

Anita scored? Nice.

I think I like the idea of a three man midfield with the options we have.  Think it will make Shelvey look better and even Colback and Anita.

Ah, so Hayden as the most defensive of the three with Shelvey and Anita.

I guess Aarons on the right of the front three and Perez on the left?

Utterly dreadful stuff, Hayden loves a tackle like. Neither team created nowt of note. Lovely evening like.

What is the formation? 4-3-3? Where is Shelvey playing?

Rafa Benitez, Newcastle manager.

 

Sam Allardyce, England manager.

 

David Moyes, Sunderland manager.

 

 

What is 'Things I wouldn't have bet on two years ago' for $300, Alex.

Absolutely crazy stuff