Adam Dennehey WAFU manager
Manchester United of course host Newcastle United this weekend at Old Trafford, so with that in mind it’s worth taking a look at these three players who we should be wary of going into the game:
Demba Ba
Around a year ago with the January transfer-window looming, many fans were looking forward to the prospect of Ba moving to the Premier League. After a move to Stoke City collapsed due to injury concerns, the Senegal forward eventually signed for West Ham.
Despite suffering relegation during his short-stay at Upton Park, Ba impressed on a personal level scoring 7 times in 13 games for the Londoners impressing fans and pundits alike with his physical presence and work-ethic up top.
Alan Pardew swooped in the summer to bring the Senegalese hitman to St James’ Park. So far Ba has proved to be a great signing scoring 8 times in 12 games, proving that you don’t have to wear the no.9 shirt at Newcastle to be a goalscoring hero.
Fabio Coloccini
It would be fair to say that many Newcastle fans were surprised when Argentine defender Coloccini stayed at the club following their relegation to the Championship back in 2009. After all footballers are not supposed to be loyal are they?
Colocini stayed and impressed in his second season in the north-east showing his class as the Geordies romped to the Championship under Chris Houghton. He impressed last season forming an excellent partnership with Mike Williamson.
When Kevin Nolan departed to West Ham in the summer, Coloccini was installed as the club’s new skipper by Pardew. His performances since taking over the captain’s armband have been exceptional and there are few better centre-backs in the country judging on current form.
Tim Krul
Over the years Newcaslte have had some fantastic goalkeepers with Shay Given being the most famous of them. It would be fair to say that Dutch International Krul is on his way to becoming a hero for the Geordies if he can keep his form up.
After leaving Dutch side ADO Den Haag in 2006, he has developed into a top-class keeper and impressed on his debut in a UEFA Cup match away to Palermo at the age of 18 where his saves more than helped the team to a famous 1-0 win in Italy.
After ousting Steve Harper as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper midway through last season, the sky’s the limit for Krul who has great reflexes and shot-stopping ability. He has the talent to be the no.1 keeper for Holland for many years to come.
By Adam Dennehey @ADennehey87
