I cannot wait to see him play. I hope he's happy with us, settles quickly, and is allowed the freedom to be himself. It can only be good for us. Pardew's loss is our gain.
Great post. I know what Mags think of Ben Arfa and although I'm delighted we've signed him I do actually feel for several mates who are thoroughly sick of what is going on at their club. I actually felt that before Pardew kicked him into the long grass Ben Arfa was making a real effort to track back and develop the team player part of his game. You are right to say that he will inevitably lose the ball occasionally and put his full back in the clarts and that may result in conceding goals. That's the price you pay I'm afraid. I think there is a chance that it could go tits up. He could fall out with Bruce. Not get on with the other players. Put weight on. Or any of the other issues some have mentioned. I really hope that this doesn't happen because he potentially could be City's greatest ever player.
He's playing the lead role in Sting's musical The Last Ship, which is based around the decline of shipbuilding on the Tyne. It's opening on Broadway at the end of the month. I saw a version of it a few months ago and although I'm not a massive Sting fan, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Actually that's jogged my memory. I saw something on tv with Sting singing away a little while back and Jimmy Nail was sat on the stage. Wasn't doing much, then he broke out into some sort of monologue. Must have been from that.
Another reason why this is a (potentially) brilliant signing.. he's the calibre of player people will QUEUE to watch My mate here in Lyon agrees with Cabaye.. Ben Arfa is world class Do I want to pop backk over the ditch from Lyon and see him play? Defo
This was an excellent OP; well considered, well stated and without too much emotive content. I cannot disagree with any of it, as I consider HBA a real talent that we are very fortunate to have. He is a precocious talent, a player of the ball and the opposition; he carries a confidence and knowledge of his game that will frustrate an insecure manager and we have all seen the insecurity that riddles Pardew. Some of the games I have watched where, just as the OP says, Pardew has thrown HBA into a confused cauldron of total ineptitude, would make any proficient player become outspoken. I like the lads talent and I like his confidence in it. I do not feel sorry for Newcastle, as football doesn't work that way; they need to get rid of Pardew - the owner is another discussion altogether. Nonetheless, an excellent post that is hugely appreciated. The daft lad from Lester really should take note!
Echo the OP, top work. As one of the ones who signed up on the back of this kick to the sweets, I'd give a limb to be in your position, especially with a fortnight to bed in some exciting new players. Think my FF radar just blipped a few times You've just become compulsive and compulsory viewing in my gaff so I'll probably swing by here a bit for a lurk now. One thing though, expect our mini invasion to be followed by some serious french superfans. Vive 'ull.
Good post. I, like the other poster have seen almost every game Benny has played in and most of his points are spot on. Apart from his tongue in cheek manager/backroom staff reference. Its 5 wins in 24 not 4 in 25. Its true he has had managerial problems but the managers concerned were hardliners. Those of you who think he will make the France team in the future. He won't! Deschamps was one of those managers. The way be was used last season was diabolical. He still, even though he was sub for 10 minutes here and there, had more assists thn any other player. The tracking back thing- all I can say is most of his runs which have lead to goals or assists have come from deep positions. That should tell you everything you need to know about Pardews Bile. The losing possession thing, yeah but he will always have 2 men on him, this is beneficial for the team. Pardew doesn't get why but Bruce will. Everything else is spot on. At least you will have players making runs with him. Ah, the old days when we got to watch footy, anyhow I digress. I notice one of you mentioned consistency. Its a myth. Get players running off him and play him in his proper position and he will be consistent. He's hungry and he's pissed off at that Muppet Pardew. He's going to have a cracking season and you are going to be in awe. Ben Arfa can single handedly tear any team apart. That's not even open to discussion. We have seen it time and time again at what you would consider the very best. He can truly be unplayable. He is phenominal and a hungry Ben Arfa will give you a dimension you have probably only dreamt about. After what's happened Ben Arfa is very very hungry. You are going to have a great season. You will get wins now you will never expect
Can someone please clarify the 'Fatem' Ben Arfa controversy? I understand the comments about him bulking up, but some of the photos do seem to suggest he put on a bit of weight, which lends some credence to the accusations of laziness that get thrown at him. I've long been an admirer of him and in the past few days have spent a lot of time watching his highlights. There's one youtube account that has posted all his touches from almost every game over the last few years which are fascinating to watch. His footwork is absolutely brilliant, and runs are brilliant to watch. I think if he's in the team alongside someone like Ramirez or Brady or Aluko, we will get the most out of him, rather than stacking a midfield three of Diame, Livermore, Hudd behind him and just expecting him to do it all himself.
Thank to all the NUFC guys for their posts, seems we are getting an outstanding player. I am sure SB can get the best out of him, I think the only problem I see is how he fits into the dressing room, we have a very tight and good group of players who work hard for each other, I just hope he doesn't become a disruptive influence.
