Shola Ameobi is more of a footballer than people give him credit for

His first touches on his chest, and quite often with his feet, are excellent. He's got some really decent skill, and if weren't for his massive size, and lack of agility, he'd be beaten players more often. I'm not just saying this because of last night. We've all called him worse that **** before, and it's probably because 4 or so years ago, the guy wasn't really getting much time, but since the championship kicked off, he's been far more involved, and has been able to develop his skills and mature as a player, and he's been improving.

If we're looking to keep possession, get up the pitch and control a game, Shola is a better option. If you're looking for goals, Cisse and Ba are obviously better choices.

Shola will play a big part in our season, and I'm glad we're in Europe so all our players can feel they've had their chance to shine.

I less than 3 Shola

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Captain Shola, 100% Toon man.

Actually does bleed B&W.

 

He was fantastic if I'm honest and what did shock me was he almost pulled off a diagonal eye of a needle pass that Ozil would of been proud of.

 

I think he worth more to the team now than he ever has been in the past

 

He's matured as a player and we are reaping the rewards

 

Shola has some sort of football magnet in his chest.

 

He is what he is to you guys because of his size, I always thought he was a bit of a last resort but he offers much more nowadays given he is the size of a wilderbeast. Take that away from him, his strength and power and you're left with a guy who doesn't have a lot to offer. He is a great option to have on the bench in this league.

 

There are a couple of roles where he is hugely valuable at the moment. He gives maturity, leadership and strength to any weakened team we put out. And any time we are hanging on at 75 minutes but looking increasingly ragged, he's the man to throw on, settle things down and make the game die of boredom. And then of course there are two games a year against the mackems.

 

That's a bit stupid. It's like saying take away Young's pace and he doesn't have a lot to offer.

Players use their natural traits to their best. Drogba would have been half the threat he is without his strength.

Shola isn't just all strength, but it is his best attribute. Players work hard to develop strength in the gym. Shola wasn't always big, he had to work.

 

You're not Delilah in disguise are you?

 

Being called 'stupid' by Tash, Jesus.

The only reason I highlighted that was because you said if it wasn't for his size and lack of agility he'd be 'beaten' players more often, clown. Take away his size and what you're left with is a player whose biggest asset has gone; his size makes him the valuable asset he is to Newcastle. If it 'weren't for his massive size, and lack of agility' he wouldn't offer anywhere near the levels of input he currently can, so being able to beat players wouldn't mean anything, you might as well be talking about a totally different player.

 

This.

And you're wrong Tash, I've never called him worse than ****, I've been Shola's biggest fan for the last 5 years, those on Toonforum will testify to that Vastly underrated, excellent player and right behind Ba and Cisse for me.

 

Robson used too call him 'our' Rooney

 

Who would argue with Sir Bobby?

 

Didn't he also used to call him Carl Cort too?

 

Think that was unintentional.

 

I have been the lads biggest critic. He has been lazy and hard to watch at times over the years. However as with Perch I think you have to give credit where its due. Again hats off to the coaching staff they have him playing the best football in his career (like they did with Benni). But the player himself is the only one who can put in the work to improve their game. He is an outstanding sub and has nailed a niche role in this regard. Its invaluable as Solksjaer and players like David Fairclough have proved over the years. Not only that but I think everyone feels more comfortable when he starts games. He now puts in the minimum of 100% and as a result the fans respond. He has always been strong as an ox, awkward and brave as a lion. He has natural talent too and it gets the chance to show when he is doing the basics right.

He is a good finisher too, and again because the effort is now there he'll get more chances. His pens are top notch. Basically I think he is now a great squad player! I wouldn't say it was wrong to criticise him in the past but it shouldn't be held against him in the present. I judge as see and to me he is now a good 3rd choice option who can push the other 2 to perform and, on occasion, make a better partnership for the team with either/or.

 

Well thank you mr obvious

And I didn't call you stupid, I called your comment stupid. You're saying "if he didn't have his strength" as if Strength isn't an attribute you need to work on like the other attributes a footballer can get.

Take away a strikers ability to strike a ball, and he'd not be a great striker. Take away a quick players pace, and he's not as effective.

All these things are obvious, and you were stating the ****ing obvious, yet you wrote the comment as if you were trying to make some sort of intellectual point.

If the Sky weren't blue, the sea wouldn't look blue either. Woop de ****ing doo.

 

Well said. I agree.

The reason that Shola is so much better now is his fitness. He could hardly go into more than a jog the past 2 years, but he has obviously worked hard on it and it has paid off! I feel confident anytime he's come on the pitch now instead of last season or two seasons ago where he was a liability and the team looked like playing with 10 against 11 at times.

Now that we've 3 dependable strikers, all we need(apart from 1 RB and CB) is a smaller nippy striker who can finish well for us, the way we used to play Bellamy Shearer comes to mind.

 

I love the bloke. The issue is, he gets judged as a striker more than a footballer. As he hits the end of his career i can see him having somewhat of an indian summer with ys.. Hope so.