Rafa can bring out the best of Chelsea’s highly-rated young striker
TRAGIC NEWS OF THE DEATH OF A POPULAR AND TALENTED PLAYER
WHEN I heard the news about Cheick Tiote, I was shocked – a fit footballer losing his life at just 30 years of age.
My thoughts go out to his family in particular, and also his friends and former team-mates.
It is only 18 months since we lost Pavel Srnicek at the age of 47, and that was awful in itself. The Czech goalkeeper was as fit as a fiddle, had dreams of a successful coaching career, and was even out for a jog at the time.
But Tiote was still playing, he was an athlete throughout his career, and for the midfielder to collapse and die on the training pitch is devastating.
I didn’t know Tiote personally, but from all of the tributes that have poured in from former managers like Rafa Benitez, Alan Pardew, Steve McClaren and Chris Hughton, it’s obvious he was well liked in the Newcastle dressing room.
He was quite a character too, both on and off the pitch, and there have been many tales told about the jokes he played on his team-mates and of Tiote bringing a smile to everyone’s face.
What I can say is it was a pleasure to watch the Ivorian when he was at his very best for Newcastle.
In black-and-white stripes, I cannot recall many better defensive-midfielders since I became involved with the football club in the late-1980s.
He was an all-action midfielder who did all the dirty work in order to allow his team-mates to really play.
In many ways, he did the work of two men, and was the sort of player Newcastle had not had in the engine room for a while. IF Newcastle United can agree a loan deal for Tammy Abraham, I really think that would be a massive coup for the football club.
There have been a whole host of clubs chasing the England Under-21 international and there seems to be positive soundings that the Magpies could well win the race to sign him.
This is a lad I know Chelsea believe has a big future ahead of him. They want Abraham to get Premier League experience before giving him a crack at breaking into the first team at Stamford Bridge.
Clearly both Chelsea and Abraham
His tough-tackling approach ruffled opponents and got the St James’ Park crowd on their feet. Every football fan loves seeing a crunching challenge – even if Tiote did get a fair share of yellow cards during his time too!
But it wasn’t just what Tiote did defensively which was impressive. He could play a bit himself as well.
Usually he allowed the more talented footballers around him to do the pretty stuff, but sometimes he could get himself out of tight situations by really showing his skill.
Naturally we will all remember him primarily for that wonder-strike against Arsenal.
What an incredible game of football that was – it had everything, and it was Tiote who rightly stole the show with that magnificent volley.
His best season on Tyneside was undoubtedly the 2011/12 campaign when Newcastle finished fifth.
That season, Tiote and Yohan Cabaye were immense. In fact, I’d argue they were up there with the very best midfield combinations in the country at that time.
They fed so well off one another, and were a formidable duo.
Tiote will always be remembered fondly on Tyneside for what he did for the football club, and rightly so.
It is a sad, sad loss for football and all our thoughts go out to his family. himself recognise that St James’ Park, under Rafa Benitez’s management, is the perfect place for the 19-year-old to develop his game.
I watched a fair bit of Abraham when he was at Bristol City last season and he scored an impressive 26 goals.
But it wasn’t just his finishing which caught my eye. He is big, powerful and has a good all-round game.
If there’s one manager you want to nurture that talent and help get the best of him, it is Rafa.
Rafa has worked with some of the very best strikers in the world. He turned Fernando Torres from a very good striker into a world-class one - and he can help Abraham progress during a season at Newcastle.
As a former Magpies striker myself, the advice I would give to Abraham himself if he does join Newcastle is to embrace it.
It is a fantastic football club and it really is a striker’s dream to play in those black-and-white stripes.
I was fortunate enough to be given the iconic No 9 shirt, but Geordies love any striker who can find the back of the net regularly.
For many, moving up and playing in front of a packed-out St James’ Park can be daunting, but Abraham just needs to believe in himself. I knew I was capable of scoring goals at any level, and I used that self-confidence to help me settle in on Tyneside.
Abraham must do the same. It will be a bold and a brave move for Abraham to head up to Tyneside, but he will thrive if he does.
I’m excited by this potential signing and I hope it gets completed because working under Rafa will be great for Abraham, but for the Magpies, too.