Tiote is a cult hero in the making
He was almost forgotten about in the devastation of the horrific loss of Hatem Ben Arfa but Cheik Tiote's instant impact at Newcastle United gives reason to believe that this season can be regarded as a success when it comes to staying in this division.
Of course, many expect and want much more than just survival but if Newcastle are going to continue to pluck results out the bag like West Ham and Everton then the Ivory Coast international is going to be key.
He looked in full control of the engine room on Saturday night at Upton Park as he dominated both Scott Parker and Mark Noble in the middle of park and his range of passing was there for all to see.
Already he's looking a snip at ã3.5million and away from home he seems up for the battle which is exactly what you want.
The good thing is that Tiote can only improve too.
Once he settles in and adjusts fully to life in Newcastle and starts to master the language then we really could have a player on our hands.
He made a statement at West Ham with his commanding performance and now its up to him to push on at a club where he can be a real legend if he wants to.
How do you rate the signing of Tiote?
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Lee Ryder - Proudly born and bred on Tyneside, the Chronicle's chief sports writer has followed the fortunes of the club over the last three decades as a Toon fan and football writer.
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Gotta agree with you here Lee, Tiote has been nothing short of fantastic since making his 1st appearance in Black & White. He has the attributes that Geremi, Parker, Butt, Smith etc lack and as people have mentioned recently - he looks more like a Makelele-esq / roy keane midfielder who actually bosses THE WHOLE of the midlfield. As many saw on Saturday, Tiote doesn't stick to the centre circle (Smith, Butt, Geremi) and he doesn't run around in circles either (Parker), what makes him stand out from the rest is his 100% commitment, his phenomenal work rate, and most definately his ability. Definately the best signing CH has made so far in my eyes as he is that player who over the course of the season WILL earn you those extra 10 points.
The lad is class. He has only misplaced 16 passes out of 268! He wins headers, he's strong in the tackle, composed on the ball, first touch is immense and his distribution is very tidy. Really rate the guy and as long as he can keep his temper in check and cut out the silly little fouls he could possibly be our player of the season! Wasn't convinced when we signed him, but he is far better than the likes of Smith, Butt and Amdy Faye, as a holding midfielder, he really does look the real deal.
Thought he played an instrumental part in Saturdays performance - and was beginning to think (until reading this Blog) that he was the forgotton man of the vital three points (newspapers tending to concentrate on Carrolls goal and his events).
I personally thought that Shola and Tiote put in commanding performances.
Nolan too appears to have temporarily silenced his boo boys - he always scores vital goals, jsut when we need them.
Time and again, Tiote kept the ball whilst surrounded, giving his team mates the opportunity to find space. Often with a neat little 360 degree turn, Tiote would ping the ball into space or lay off a fast, razor sharp pass along the ground to someone out wide.
Off the ball he gave Parker and Noble a torrid time.
Newcastle now have a triad of players who perform consistently well. Tiote, Colocinni and Enrique.
Once Andy Carroll sorts his off pitch antics out - hopefully we can add him and a few more to this elite group.
2 words....absolute quality.
Have to be honest had never realy heard of him until we signed him but is really impressing me at the minute. hope he can keep it going. give cattermole some of his own medicine on sunday please.
Agree with all the comments on here. I have been surprised by how quickly he appears to have settled in and made the step up from an average Dutch league. Against West Ham he was my man of the match, not scared to dish out the odd hard tackle when Parker thought he could boss the game. My only concern is that others will take notice, and in a league where nearly every team plays a holding midfielder, you can rest assured Mike Ashley is already seeing the pound signs in his eyes. Excellent signing and by far Houghtons' best thus far.
Yep,totally agree,the man is quality the way he seems to always have time and gives the ball to the man in space(and one of our players to boot). Reminds me of Batty (could possibly be better in time) who knew his limitations but was a vital part of the team.As always with NUFC,we need to be cautious because he's unknown to the other teams and so many new signings have started off looking like world beaters and then seem to replace their normal footware with clown boots.So far so good
Wow! im struggling to find any more words of praise for tiote. All your comments above are totally SPOT ON! As i read your comments i was feeling up with pride and great anticipation for the future. I read someone's comment saying this blog irritates him. WHAT?!?! This is the BEST blog!! Fans with positive and constructive views. Well done. As for tiote, well i can only say KEEP IT UP LAD! and knock some sense out of the WASHED UP MACKEMS!! on sunday!
It's funny that at 4.20am in the morning watching the west ham match, I said to myself...."I like the look of tiote, he is winning every ball, hitting every pass, and getting into both boxes at exactly the right time." class! Another big tick to Chris h. And the scouting setup he has in place... Howay the lads.
Tiote. I wonder if he has any brothers around the same age looking for a job.
Pound for pound he must be the best buy we have made for many, many years.
I hope MA ties him up on a new long term year contract PDQ.
Power, pace, space and grace (and guts) too.
I like him, I like him a lot.
Agree to all this. Build the team atound him.