After a severely below part first 18 months on Tyneside, Mo Diame now deserves some credit. His performances over the last month have been by far his best in a black and white shirt and his man of the match display against Burnley last night did not go unnoticed amongst NUFC supporters.
He’s too often looked slow and sluggish, offering so little to the team, however he’s been a different player over the last month – and yesterday’s display summed up just how much better he’s been of late.
Ironically, he’s been transformed ever since he was jeered off the pitch in the home defeat to Everton in early December. For me, it was unfair and uncalled for to see our own fans sarcastically applaud him off the pitch when Rafa hauled him off, but he’s responded superbly ever since and has been without doubt our top performing midfielder from that moment on.
Here’s some fan reactions to his performance last night in the 1-1 draw with Burnley – is he finally starting to win over the St James’ Park crowd? He’s even got a new chant!
Girls don't like boys
Girls like Mo Diame#BlockV@WorHyem1892 @worflags pic.twitter.com/KYIfLgPGN1— Nufc Chants ? (@toonchants) February 1, 2018
Said it last night but how good was Diame yesterday.. absolute powerhouse, winning headers, spraying passes. The midfielder we knew he could be when he signed. Hope he keeps it up. #NUFC
— Daniel (@danjpeg) February 1, 2018
Got to say Mo Diame has proved all his doubters wrong he's been class lately and last night was by far his best performance in a Toon top yet, gave his all, strength on the ball, winning most 50-50's and worked his socks off for 90 mins, fair play to him ??#Nufc
— Rich Miller ⚫️nufc⚪️ (@Rich1982Miller) February 1, 2018
Mo Diame is undoubtedly a centre mid he was superb tonight, I never want to see him wasted at no.10 again! Man of the match by a mile tonight! #NUFC
— JJ Fletcher (@JJFletcher7) January 31, 2018
Tell ya what. Diame actually feels like a new signing. Going from continuously passing the ball to the opposition to pinging balls forward like there's no tomorrow #NUFC
— Joe (@Joeeeeeee_96) February 1, 2018
Not sure who that imposter was in the Diame shirt today but he passed like Shelvey, defended like 2012 Cheick Tiote and attacked like Sissoko’s debut vs. Chelsea.
— Newcastle Stats (@NewcastleStats) January 31, 2018
Arise Sir Mo.
Wasn't Diame just superb last night.
Where was this player for the last 18 months?
Long may it continue.
Well done for keeping his head up.— Steve Wallwork (@stevewallwork) February 1, 2018
Im also a massive fan of Mo Diame turning into prime zidane this last month?
— Jay (@NufcJay18) February 1, 2018
Keep it up big Mo! brilliant stuff.