Newcastle’s brain and brawn doing the business

The foundations for Newcastle’s success in the Premier League this season have been built at the back. The Magpies have only conceded eight goals in the league, less than any other team in the division, and much of this is down to being able to select a settled back five. Tim Krul has been sensational in goal, Danny Simpson has been solid at right back and Ryan Taylor has made himself into a very competent left back. However, it is Newcastle’s brain and brawn that have been immense.

Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor are two very different defenders. Coloccini is your typical continental defender, with plenty of ability on the ball and a calmness about him, while Taylor is a traditional, no-nonsense British centre back. You could say they’re like chalk and cheese, but they’ve certainly drummed up an excellent partnership this season and now have a good understanding when they play at the back together.

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Coloccini has been in excellent form and as a captain certainly leads by example. He reads the game exceptionally well and his experience at the back is invaluable for Newcastle. Colo can marshal his troops and is not one to panic, which helps the rest of his defenders to play with confidence. He more than stands up to the rigours of the English game and brings international quality to the back four. Not only that, but he’s greatly helping Taylor develop as a player, too.

Steven Taylor has always had the potential, but he’s really come on leaps and bounds this season. Taylor has been prone to the odd mistake or two in the past, however he really seems to be working hard to cut these out of his game. One thing you can guarantee from Steven is that he will always give 100% and you’ll never see him shirking a tackle or aerial challenge, even when he’s wearing a protective mask!

Due to their contrasting styles of play, I have dubbed Coloccini and Taylor Newcastle’s Brain and Brawn. If Colo signs a new contract then he should be on Tyneside for many years to come, while Geordie Taylor seems like the ideal candidate to pass the captain’s armband onto when that time arrives. I’m not sure how well Colo and Taylor get on off the pitch, but on it they’re working well together. They’re certainly doing the business for the Magpies at the moment and long may it continue.

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