The Newcastle United ‘team of the decade’ has been revealed this week – based on ratings from the world’s biggest football statistics site WhoScored.com.
The website has picked the XI based on average match ratings, picking players based on them having the highest average rating in their position over a season between 2010 and 2020.
For example, 2010/11 Andy Carroll makes the cut with an average rating of 7.54, as does the 2018/19 Fabian Schar (7.30) – meaning they are credited for their performances during single seasons; not their entire time at the club. That said, there’s a few surprising and slightly bizarre inclusions!
Here is a video of the full team, which is also listed below:
- GK: Martin Dubravka – 6.84 (2019/20)
- RB: Mathie Debuchy – 7.44 (2013/14)
- CB: Mike Williamson – 7.29 (2012/13)
- CB: Fabian Schar – 7.30 (2018/19)
- LB: Davide Santon – 7/00 (2013/14)
- RM: Andros Townsend – 7.35 (2015/16)
- CM – Yohan Cabaye – 7.48 (2013/14)
- CM – Joey Barton – 7.35 (2010/11)
- LM – Allan Saint Maximin – 7.18 (2019/20)
- ST – Papiss Cisse – 7.37 (2011/12)
- ST – Andy Carroll – 7.54 (2010/11)
On the eye it does appear that there are some barmy inclusions in that team (I’m looking at you Mike Williamson), but the team is chosen purely using statistics alone – so he must’ve performed better than we thought during 2012/13.
That said, it’s still hard to wrap your head around them giving Dubravka an average rating of 6.84 for this season – a year whereby he’s been our clear player of the season, saved us on countless occasions and barely put a foot wrong.
Shelvey and Gayle should feel hard done by to not get a mention for their efforts in the 16/17 Championship season, as does Demba Ba – a player most Toon fans would feel has been our best striker of the past decade.
At the back, Coloccini’s performances in the 11/12 season have been overlooked as have those of current skipper Jamaal Lascelles, a player who was immense for us in our first season back in the top flight in 17/18.
Football is a game of opinions – and statistics – and sometimes these can churn out bizarre results where least expected.
Let us know what you think!
