Does Jonas Fit In The 4-3-3?

Alan Pardew finally gave in to our formation wishes. Thanks to the stellar forward play of Papiss Cisse, Hatem Ben Arfa, and (until very recently) Demba Ba, we have had plenty to praise. But the birth of "the Trinity" has coincided with an injury crisis for the rest of the team. With so many players in unfamiliar roles, it hasn't been clear what Pardew has in mind for the midfield and defense. 

One of the bigger mysteries going into the summer is Jonas Gutierrez. The 4-3-3 doesn't seem like a great fit for a wide midfielder - especially one who only scores against Wolves. His emergency stint at left back reminded everyone of his woeful outings in defense for Argentina. During the pre-Cisse days, Jonas was sometimes effective spearheading a three-man midfield. That may still be an option, especially with the club involved in four competitions next season.

Newcastle has been linked with several central midfielders over the last few weeks, most recently Gylfi Sigurdsson. Though only 22, Sigurdsson may never be more in demand, which would make him a distinctly un-Newcastle signing. With plenty of other needs, especially in defense, it may be better to keep Danny Guthrie and hope Mehdi Abeid and Haris Vuckic are ready for more playing time. Vuckic, in particular, could develop into a similar sort of player to Sigurdsson if he puts his injury woes behind him.

Assuming no major signings - never a bad idea where Newcastle is concerned - Jonas will likely be converted into a holding midfielder in the 4-3-3. The injury-laden squad has forced him elsewhere, but against West Brom and Swansea, we have seen what he offers in the role. He reads the game well (5 interceptions in each match), can pick out a pass (watch the buildup to Cisse's first goal against West Brom), and with his running and penchant to draw fouls, is superb at controlling the tempo of a match.

Gutierrez can also help draw the best out of Yohan Cabaye and Cheick Tiote. His defensive responsibility allows Cabaye to push up to the edge of the 18-yard box. From there, Cabaye is ideally positioned to take a long-range shot or split the defense with a pass. He provides a perpetual outlet for a ball-winning midfielder like Tiote, and covering support for Tiote's occasional forays into attack.

Even with the move to 4-3-3, there will still be a regular place in the side for Tyneside's favorite superhero. Let's hope he decides to take his mask on Newcastle's European odyssey next season - just in case he needs it.

Comments

[geoff777]

Jonas fits better in a 433.

He's not good enough at crossing in a 442. Where quality wingers are the key to the formation.

His defensive qualities, workrate and fitness levels are excellent. He hardly ever gets injured.

Great player. Why he can't cross or shoot is amazing in a player of his calibre. (What does he do in training?)

[Steven]

Definelty, Its a great problem to have at the moment trying to piece the midfiled together. IMO Cabaye is best suited to playing as the central midfielder in the 3 man midfield but then you say where does Mr T sit. But Cabaye always played in the middle of a three at Lille and that is his natural position, the time He, Guthrie and Jonas played in a three midfield the team were awesome (West Brom). However you can't leave out Mr T so its a conundrum but one that is pleasing to have.

Where do we play Marveaux when he is fit? Sterngth in depth its a shame we didnt have it up front and in defence

[Mo]

Geoff777.

Jonas is predominately Right footed and that is why he isn't precise at crossing from the left.
A classic example of his right foot skills was his recent goal from distance when he cut in from the left.
I think Jonas would fit in beautifully on the Right of a 3 man midfield and even better place Santon at right fullback with his Right foot and crossing abilities.
Only an observation

[geoff777]

Not the old Jonas on the right argument.

He always plays on the left, because he wants to play on the left.

If he was any good on the right, there have been lots of times in his career he could have played there.

[M]

Pertinent topic Matt.

First point - Jonas has demonstrated that he can play effectively in a central 3, both as the 'playmaker' and in a deeper holding role.

Second point - he should NOT start at fullback unless there's a huge injury crisis. 1st half against Liverpool told us all we need to know regarding this option. (Why the f did Dalglish move Bellamy inside in the 2nd half? NUFC fans will be all too familiar with Kenny's brand of baffling tactical incompetence.)

Final point - it seems that Pardew is not willing to drop Jonas provided he's fit and available. (I'm not saying that he should drop him.... but it shouldn't be out of the question either) However, it could be argued that Guthrie would be a better selection to join Tiote and Cabaye in central mid

[andytoon]

Agree with geoff on the crossing/righ side issue.. But Jonas plays very well central, and can drift out wide in attacking play. He's an integral part in the NUFC machinery and gives the others more room to play. He also picks out nice passes and through balls.. quite clever in the attacking passing. But Guthrie in his place?? stay off the glue:)

[rob]

I love Jonas for all the reasons mentioned. He can play multiple positions, he has a very high work rate, and he is a great presence in the dressing room (or so I believe). He will find plenty of matches because of the extra European matches we will have next season and because he is a regular in our starting XI anyways. And if heaven forbid Ba or Hatem pick up a knock, Jonas can step into a wing position in a 4-3-3 as well, thought obviously not as threatening in the attacking 2rd and the former two players. NUFC should do everything reasonable to keep Jonas on Tyneside.