Pardew says the Dutchman is key to building a team capable of creating chances and scoring goals, very much like Yohan Cabaye.
De Jong was meant to be the brains of the team; the attacking ‘captain’ of the side who could open up teams ... but United are doing "very well thank you" without him.
When the going was tough, and we were sat in the relegation zone, Pardew was quick to say "we are missing Siem de Jong", but suddenly the Dutchman has become the forgotten man, and where would he fit into the team?
De Jong will return in January, and obviously be a welcome option, but like his brother Luuk last season ... the De Jong family have yet to make a name for themselves on Tyneside.
Luuk was described by reporter John Gibson "the WORST loan player I have ever seen wearing the Newcastle shirt", and boy have we had some junk!
Pardew has come up with an alternative game plan that is bearing fruit against the big guns.
Reliant on youth, vigour and a bunch of players who are greater than the sum of their parts, it has now seen off Manchester City, Tottenham, Liverpool and a previously unbeaten Chelsea.
United only had 37% of possession as they beat Chelsea.
Which is a bit worrying, but they got the job done.
Questions could be asked of "five stone wet through" Remy Cabella who was taken off, and does look out of his depth at times.
De Jong is clearly an asset to the team, but will Pardew change the system to accomodate him?
To be honest with you, Pardew rates him as high as Cabaye, and I think he will!