But even Newcastle hater Phil Thompson was gobsmacked at Sebastien Bassong's last two performances against Chelsea and Middlesbrough.
On SKY TV on Saturday, Thompson said: "Bassong has been absolutely magnificent!
"You won't see a better performance from a central defender this season. He has been fantastic!"
Toon coach Chris Hughton believes Bassong could prove to be one of the buys of the season.
On SKY TV on Saturday, Thompson said: "Bassong has been absolutely magnificent!
"You won't see a better performance from a central defender this season. He has been fantastic!"Toon coach Chris Hughton believes Bassong could prove to be one of the buys of the season.
He joined Newcastle United from Metz in the summer and the 22-year-old defender has already made 11 league and cup appearances for his new club, with his versatility having seen him play across the back four.
Hughton: "What Sebastien has done is forced himself into the squad, and that's testament to him, and how hard he's worked.
"Arguably, when he first signed as a 22-year-old, he might have thought it would have taken him longer to get in the squad, but he's been an integral part of it.
"He's certainly been value for money."
So much so he even has Steven Taylor sat on the bench waiting for a return to action.
Joe Kinnear must have been tempted to name the England Under-21 skipper in the team at Middlesbrough, but stuck to his guns and Bassong put in another man-of-the-match performance.