Zico Questions Toon's Midfield

Last updated : 29 May 2010 By Footy Mad - Editor

But let's face it ...Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard are world class players ... and every team in the world would struggle to contain them.

Mick Martin: “I think it is vital you have pace in the middle of the park in the Premier League, otherwise you can end up with your backs to the wall in games.

“Playing against the Gerrards and Lampards of the world is major step up.

“If you have a player who is a driving force in there it can be a massive benefit.

“Then you have somebody pushing through and looking to pick out passes for your wide men and importantly the front two – whether it be Shola Ameobi and Andy Carroll or whoever Chris Hughton decides.

“If you do not have it then you have two midfielders in the middle pinned back because you are just hacking it clear and lumping it, ultimately inviting pressure."

KEVIN NOLAN - "He had a great season last time out and was a class apart in that division.

"He scored 18 goals which is a great tally but I don’t know if he will manage as many scoring chances in the Premier League.

"In his first season with United in the Premier League he struggled to make an impact because the team was struggling.

"However, he had his confidence back in the Championship, and hopefully he can carry that into next season and be as big an influence as he was last year."

ALAN SMITH: "He is now regarded as a player who sits in front of the back four after being known as a striker earlier in his career.

"He enjoys the role and scrapping and kicking for the ball in there, which is great to have such a committed battler.

"It is the same for Alan and the whole squad. Next season is a step up in class and it will be interesting to see how people make that step.

DANNY GUTHRIE - "When Danny first arrived he was handed the task of being a wide man by Kevin Keegan.

"He took a while to settle after coming in from Liverpool, but he understands the game.

"He has now done well in the centre of the park. I like the way he can pass the ball and also step up to the plate and deliver from a free-kick.

"He made a lot of goals last season. There is a lot there and he will again have to adapt to life back in the top division."

JOEY BARTON - "For many, Joey is an enigma, but he struggled for most of last season with a foot problem.

"His pace is questionable but he has a lot to offer. He is a great passer of the ball and he can score goals to boot – we saw that at Manchester City.

"What he needs is a good clean run without injuries and starts in the first three or four matches.

"If he gets that I do believe he will be a big asset to Newcastle in the Premier League."

JONAS GUTIERREZ - "Jonas was excellent last season and forged a brilliant under-standing with Enrique on the left.

"He showed a great willingness and we are going to need that all again next season.

"He is not the strongest of players, but he is hard to take the ball from.

"If I had to be critical I would talk about his final product. Sometimes that cross is missing, or when he shoots you could stop his shot by throwing your cap on it.

However, he is a player who is going to the World Cup and one who can hopefully come back on a high.

WAYNE ROUTLEDGE - "He was very good in the final stages of the season, when he came into the side and stayed there.

"Going forward he is an exciting player and he will have a point to prove next year as he did not deliver at previous clubs like Spurs, Aston Villa and Fulham. I am sure that can prove to be a real motivation for him next season."