Apparently Spanish reporters say Jonas Gutierrez is "no Albert Luque, but he doesn't score many goals".
Spanish football expert Gerry Armstrong dismissed comparisons with Magpies misfit Albert Luque, who had the heart of a pea and spent his time at Newcastle on his sick bed.
He's No Luque ... That Is Brilliant News!
By Nu Mad
Updated Thursday, 3rd July 2008
Armstrong is a commentator on Spanish football for Sky Sports: "It really is a major coup for Newcastle United and Kevin Keegan will be absolutely thrilled to get him because a lot of clubs were after him from La Liga and the Premier League."I know for certain that Harry Redknapp will be absolutely gutted Jonas has gone to Newcastle because he has spent the last seven or eight months trying to get him to sign for Portsmouth. A lot of clubs have been watching him, but Newcastle have pulled it off.
"Jonas is a great signing for Newcastle and the fans should be thrilled that he will be at St James's Park next season. It is a real statement of ambition in the transfer market and it will help the club look forward after the troubles it has had recently.
"For me, he was one of the best players in La Liga last season and the biggest single reason why Real Mallorca had such a good year. Danny Guiza was the top goalscorer in Spanish football last season and he got his ammunition from Gutierrez, he created the goals for him. I'm sure Michael Owen will be looking forward to playing with him.
"I don't think Kevin could have signed a better player for Newcastle from La Liga because he has all the attributes needed to be a success in the Premier League and I'm really interested to see how he does.
"He is tall for a winger, and he's quick and strong. He has wonderful energy levels and will work really hard for the team. He also knows how to defend and he's not scared to tuck in when he has to. He is a great team player because that is something all the Real Mallorca players had to be.
"I know Newcastle have not had the best track record when it comes to signing players from Spain, but Gutierrez is Argentinean and he has a different style of play. He's certainly not another Albert Luque. Argentinians generally have a good history in English football, going back to Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa at Tottenham, and I'm confident Gutierrez will be a success at Newcastle.
"Obviously, it is always difficult moving to a different country, with a different language and it will take some adjustment which can take time, but I really do think he will adapt to English football because of the type of player he is. Newcastle have obviously done their homework."
However, Gutierrez played over 30 games in the Spanish league last season and failed to score, but has scored five goals in 96 appearances. David Ginola only scored seven in 75 appearances for Newcastle.
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