Saivet a Savvey Coup?

After completing his £5m move to Newcastle United from Ligue 1 outfit Bordeaux, a good few would have been pondering: “Who on earth is this guy?” For the ones that watch Ligue 1, or, dare I say it, played Football Manager, Henri Saivet would have been an accustomed name. A highly rated youngster coming through Bordeaux’s Plaine du Haillan, Saivet became the club’s youngest professional player in history when he penned a long-term deal at the age of 17. He kicked-off his career playing mainly as a wideman; fleet-footed and blessed with agility, he was labelled “the next Thierry Henry.”

He became a key member of the Bordeaux squad in season 2010/11, playing both wings – scoring 4 and assisting 4 in 29 games. The following season he was used as their main right-winger, but it was in season 2012/13 where he started living up to his expectations. At the age of 22, he showed his professional attitude and versatility. Saivet, was not only a threat on the wings, but was able to contribute to the team whilst being deployed as a striker and central attacking midfielder. Bordeaux finished 7th in Ligue 1, but they went on to win the Coupe De France (French Cup), where an instrumental Saivet scored and helped The Girondins beat Evian TG 3-2 in the final.

It was also the season where Newcastle United came face-to-face with two of their future players – Gouffran, and of course the man himself, Saivet – as the Magpies faced Bordeaux twice in the Europa League group stages. In the first meeting, Newcastle ran-out 3-0 winners at St. James’ Park. Saivet had a relatively subdued game, but showed some nice touches and occasionally caused problems for Shane Ferguson, who played at left-back on that night. In the return fixture, a more determined Saivet and Bordeaux won 2-0, as Les Marine et Blanc finished top of the group. Saivet ended the season playing 49 games and scoring 9 goals.

Knee and hamstring injuries impeded the development of the player. After being out for months with injuries and struggling to regain the pace and firepower, which caused so many problems for defenders in Ligue 1, the Senegalese international opted to change his game and moved into a more central position. Despite his setbacks, Saivet’s importance to Bordeaux was acknowledged, and he was not just an integral member but also the club’s captain.

Newcastle United Head Coach, Steve McClaren, said that he sees the former Bordeaux man being utilised as a defensive midfielder. However, he has never consistently operated in a defensive midfield position with Bordeaux nor has he ever played in that position for Senegal. When Saivet converted his role, his game-time was chiefly either behind the striker or in central midfield. He certainly has a combative and defensive nature that he has implemented well into his game, but if you’re looking for a ball-winning midfielder – he is not your man. Can the 25-year-old become a solid defensive midfielder? Encouragingly, he certainly has the attributes, but the Premier League is a very unforgiving league.

Henri Saivet in Ligue 1

2012/13:

Appearances: 34

Goals: 8

Avg. Duels Won: 46%

Avg. Defensive Actions: 2

Chances Created: 35

2013/14:

Appearances: 33

Goals: 6

Avg. Duels Won: 49%

Avg. Defensive Actions: 2

Chances Created: 38

2014/15:

Appearances: 14

Goals: 0

Avg. Duels Won: 51%

Avg. Defensive Actions: 1

Chances Created: 6

2015/16:

Appearances: 18

Goals: 2

Avg. Duels Won: 56%

Avg. Defensive Actions: 3

Chances Created: 14

The new signing made his debut against West Ham United; coming on for Paul Dummett and slotting into the central defensive midfield position, partnering fellow new-boy Jonjo Shelvey, who stole the show that afternoon.

Saivet’s full-debut came a week later, away against Watford; again, partnering Jonjo Shelvey in the middle – a regular theme we may see in the 2nd half of the season – a poor Newcastle succumbed to another defeat. Despite McClaren’s startling post-match interview on how “tremendous” Newcastle United were, it was a game where the whole team were out of touch, so judging Saivet solely on that game would be unfair.

Saivet vs. Watford

Shots: 0

Passing: 59%

Chances Created: 0

Take-Ons: 2

Tackles: 20%

Aerial Duels: 0%

Interceptions: 1

The capture of Saivet raised many eyebrows in France, and in particular with French journalists. After recovering from a serious knee injury, many across the Channel were surprised an injury-ravaged and troubled Newcastle opted to sign him. His talent is not in question; he exemplified his qualities by, not only scoring a well taken free-kick, but also putting in a sterling performance against Liverpool in the Europa League this season.

Conversely, does the player have the resolve to handle the physical and demanding aspect of the Premier League on a regular basis? That is a question many experts and fans will be deliberating.