Gini Wijnaldum - 10 by trade!

The phrase ‘like a new signing’ is one that Alan Pardew regularly spat out in interviews to suggest that players returning from injury would change the squad for the better, but every single Newcastle supporter knew it simply meant that no actual signings were to be made and the team would be left to struggle as it was.

Then when the signings did arrive in the shape of players like Emmanuelle Riviere, Siem De Jong, and Yoan Gouffran, they failed to inspire much hope. That’s not to say a few good players haven’t come through the door over the past few years, but chief scout Graham Carr’s record could best be described as hit or miss, with Florian Thauvin’s imminent departure the perfect demonstration of those who were simply not good enough.

So when the club splashed out in excess of £14m for dutch international Georginio Wijnaldum, one could excuse fans for not being overly-optimistic at the prospect of their new player. After all, it had happened before. Vurnon Anita and Siem De Jong were both captains of Ajax before making the move to Tyneside, but save for a couple of steady performances, all both have really done is highlight a void in talent between the Eredivisie and the Premier League, demonstrating how risky a tactic signing players from the Netherlands can be.

However, Wijnaldum has proven himself to be of different class to his Dutch compatriots and has a lot that Newcastle have been lacking in recent years. The issue with ‘Gini’ only seemed to be where his strengths were best put to use, but the past few weeks may have answered that conundrum.

After initially being deployed on the left wing, Wijnaldum was moved into the centre in the ‘number 10’ role and he has excelled himself even further. Four points from six against Manchester United and West Ham were rewards for his contributions, with the Dutchman notching a goal in each, taking his tally up to nine for the season.

After the West Hame game he expressed his happiness at the tactical switch, saying:

“Yes much better because that is my better position. I can be more important for the team. I can make better runs with my technique and my goals. I enjoy every goal I make and I hope I score more to enjoy with the team and supporters.”

This role allows Wijnaldum the freedom to attack as he likes and both of his last two goals really show how clinical he can be in this position. With this in mind, it is no wonder that Steve McClaren moved his top scorer into a more central position.

Furthermore, his presence in that central area relieves Aleksander Mitrovic of some of the pressure. The Serbian is clearly a raw talent, but certainly still in need of some moulding and Wijnaldum’s contribution will be helping Mitrovic find his feed significantly.

Wijnaldum seems to be the real deal for Newcastle and, unless any offers are received with a huge mark up in price, he is one that the board will be extremely reluctant to depart with.

The man who Sky Sports named the best signing of 2015 is almost certainly the main reason Newcastle are still in with a good chance of avoiding the drop this season and for his services, the club and fans alike are undoubtedly extremely thankful.

Now his best position has been found and with his best years still ahead of him, it simply remains to be seen, just how good a player Georginio Wijnaldum will end up becoming.