OR: Pardew recognize that we'll be very flexible and able to adapt several different systems and formations if we have different types of players. Maybe he realizes that this is something that this signing enables us to play Anita with both Cabaye and Tiote, either one of them etc. We now have three very capable CMs, that's just beautiful to me. We looked brilliant with Guthrie sitting next to Tioté behind Cabaye last season. We looked brilliant with Jonas next to Tioté behind Cabaye last season. We'll be brilliant with this lad next to Tioté this season.
If Pardew is serious about a more possession based game, this signing is terrific.
Not to mention one of our weaknesses last season was being over-run in midfield and inability to control the tempo of the game which led to being counter attacked at will and those stupid results at Fulham and Wigan etc etc.
Anita's signing will go some way to fixing that.
Totally agree with the Guthrie/Tiote/Cabaye bit.
Bossed it.