It looks as though Juan Roman Riquelme’s less than glorious days at Villarreal, in the Spanish league, will finally come to an end in the January transfer window.
Both Manchester City and Newcastle are said to be interested in signing the talented, but temperamental, Argentinean international.
But we wonder if he would be a good signing for Newcastle. He’s temperamental, way past his best, not exactly the quickest player around – and hasn’t exactly been a shining star at Villarreal.
Riquelme – would he be a good signing for Newcastle, or another Patrick Kluivert type flop?
Riquelme has famously been left out of the Villarreal side since falling out with his coach, and recently Villarreal president Fernando Roig confirmed:
“I think that the situation is going to be solved in December.”
Manchester City, under Sven Eriksson, have been steadily monitoring Riquelme’s situation at the Spanish club, but it’s not the first time Newcastle have been linked with the Argentinean playmaker. It is again being reported that Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce may be prepared to offer £8M for the former Boca Juniors player.
But we wonder if this would be a sensible signing for Newcastle. Juan reminds us far too much of another former great player who seemed to have given up on his game, before he was signed by Newcastle. In what proved to be a waste of time and waste of money, we signed Patrick Kluivert in the summer of 2004. Or should we say Freddy Shepherd signed Kluivert, since Bobby Robson knew little about the deal until it was already done. Patrick was still a good player when he came to Newcastle, but he had lost the passion that had made him a great player in his time.
With all the antics going on at Villarreal we wonder if Riquelme would be the same kind of signing. A big name signing for sure, but a player whose best days are behind him. There’s also got to be a question mark over whether he’s quick enough to play in the Premiership, since he’s never been the quickest player around, but to be fair, he does make up for that with his vast skills.
We reported earlier today that Newcastle seem interested in bringing Andrei Arshavin, the captain of the Russian national side, to Newcastle. The fee quoted is interestingly the same as being quoted for Riquelme at around £8M.
We think that between the two players, the Russian would be a much better acquisition. His all-action style, coupled with his obvious talents and ambition, make him well equipped to be a great success in the Premiership. The only way we think Juan Roman Riquelme would be a good buy for Newcastle is if Big Sam is absolutely convinced he can get the best out of the temperamental Argentinean star.
We’re just not sure Juan is in the right mind-frame, after his Villarreal adventures, to be a success in the Premiership.
What do you think? Let us know – your comments and opinions are always appreciated.
45 comments so far
mkl
Nov 8, 2007 at 8:49 PM
Comment #1Who the f*&*k is Patrick Klievert? Kluivert?
And about Riquelme, you probably didn’t see any of his games with Argentina this summer.. He was the player who took Argentina to final, not Messi, not Tevez, but Riquelme. It is true that he is not the quickest player which could be a problem in Premiership, but he definitely is not past his prime.. Things hasn’t gone right in Villareal lately, but he still would have much to offer.. And I think Big Sam could be the man who would get that out of him. Just look at his track-record in Bolton with Campo, Speed, etc., players that looked to be past their primes.
Gordon
Nov 8, 2007 at 9:03 PM
Comment #2Patrick KLUIVERT Ed 😉
He’s only 29 and not past his best, but don’t think he fits the Big Sams formula at Newcastle. Arsenal or Sven’s Man City on the other hand, certainly…
carl
Nov 8, 2007 at 9:06 PM
Comment #3not sure on this one. even though i am questioning big sam at the moment one thing i do know about him is that he has proved he can get the best out of these kind of players and revive them, speed,campo,dyorkaeff??? (not sure how his name is spelt) but if we think back to pre season alot of people on this site were putting his name forward for a potential signing when we were suggesting possible signings.but to be honest my minds on the game with the shite on sat. pooping my pants,its a must win game.
sparetheman
Nov 8, 2007 at 9:07 PM
Comment #4I think he would fit in great at Newcastle. I’d have Riquelme over Emre any day.
Chris
Nov 8, 2007 at 9:16 PM
Comment #5Why have Riquelme OVER Emre when you can have Riquelme AND Emre. Riquelme Emre Joey Barton and Smith out wide. I never though Geremi had what it ook to be our captain let alone in our starting set. And look at that midfield, its beautiful
Bill f
Nov 8, 2007 at 9:24 PM
Comment #6Having followed the blogs about him I suspect an awful lot of people are going to be saying what the F*ck are you talking about Ed. Of course they want him. Or havn’t you been reading the blog. 😉
As for me I’m not sure I think there are better possibilities out there including this Russian.
Cockney Magpie
Nov 8, 2007 at 9:25 PM
Comment #7Lets get him, he is creative and that exactly what we need and after what i saw tonight if Mike Ashley wants to spend big Frank Ribery looks amazing tonight
Obafem
Nov 8, 2007 at 9:29 PM
Comment #8what on earth are you talking about? Past his best?? Have you been watching him play in this past year at all?
He basically single handedly won Boca Juniors the South American Champions League himself and had a stellar performance in the final. Not to mention he was playing amazing in the Argentine League.
Did you also watch Copa America this summer? He was one of the stars of the tournament and was the best playmaker of the whole tournament.
Did you also happen to see the South American qualifiers fcr the next World Cup this past month? He was amazing again and scored 2 world class free kicks.
I honestly don’t know what to say about this article. Who on earth wrote it? 29 years old and past his best????????
Allardyce should get Riquelme signed up ASAP!
sparetheman
Nov 8, 2007 at 9:33 PM
Comment #9“Why have Riquelme OVER Emre when you can have Riquelme AND Emre. Riquelme Emre Joey Barton and Smith out wide. I never though Geremi had what it ook to be our captain let alone in our starting set. And look at that midfield, its beautiful”
Smith and Barton are wingers now? No way mate.
Plus, I’d never play Riquelme and Emre in the same team, unless we sacrificed one of the strikers and had five in the midfield. Not a bad option for games against Chelsea, Man Utd and Arsenal.
gordon
Nov 8, 2007 at 9:34 PM
Comment #10Way past his best what a load of garbage.
Bill f
Nov 8, 2007 at 9:44 PM
Comment #11Cockney Magpie, I watched that game as well and although they they didn’t beat Bolton they should have easily. Tell you what if I could swap our team for theirs I wouldn’t hesitate they are man for man an awesome outfit. It’s not just Ribery, they have Schweinsteigger, Klose, Van Bommel, Podoloski, to name but a few. Could you imagine that lot at St. JamesPark.
Brisbane Mag
Nov 8, 2007 at 10:03 PM
Comment #12Nope we don’t need a player like Riquelme but would love to see Andrei Arshavin join us…..
e
Nov 8, 2007 at 10:07 PM
Comment #13omg have anyof your you that doubt him ever watched him play? god dam in copa america he was amazing, i seen him loads how the hell is he way past his best hes wolrd class, jeez
reggie22
Nov 8, 2007 at 10:34 PM
Comment #14the beauty is he has never relied on his pace the bloke has guil by the bucket load most foreigners need to be kept happy anyway put him in a top team (argentina ) and he is still the linch pin and the likes of tevez messi and so on all sit in his shadow if he can recreat that for us id be a very happy man !
Tripp
Nov 8, 2007 at 11:03 PM
Comment #15What would be his motivation for coming to the Toon? He seems very temperamental and unlikely to sign for a club that might make the UEFA cup next year. If we’re fortunate and have a spectacular run between now and JAN that might pique his interest, but honestly, unless he’s looking for a long term challenge (or silly money, I hope that we don’t do that) I think he’ll look elsewhere (England or more likely, southern Europe).
Obafan
Nov 8, 2007 at 11:21 PM
Comment #16Gordon – haven’t you seen the last Copa America this year; he was brillant. Such a type of player is one you have to go for if you have a chance of getting him. BS is a specialist in motivating this kind of players. Give as much as Villareal wants for this creative midfielder we need. Come on board and BS go for him for 200%. All of you wanted him in August and now he is a risk, come on folks why are some of you always changing thoughts about things???
Not in any way he can be compared with Kluivert.
joshi
Nov 9, 2007 at 12:05 AM
Comment #17Gotta agree with whoever said ribery was great. He was the article out there, but no way would we be able to prise him away from Bayern.
Tom_Toon
Nov 9, 2007 at 12:21 AM
Comment #18Seeing Ribery tonight reminded me very much of how Arshavin plays but arshavin moves from the centre to the wings. Much prefer arshavin to riquelme if im honest
Hadrian
Nov 9, 2007 at 1:24 AM
Comment #19the guy has about as much talent as any of the worldclass playmakers , and who are we to know the in’s and outs of what has went on at villareal ? all i know is when he’s got a managers support he is outstanding , he’s just knocked a brace in for argi and hasnt even played for months .
there are alot of the argi coaching staff that rate him as the best in the world aswell , these are the guys who have brought the likes of messi and tevez thru the system .
who care’s if he likes the ball to go thru him , its what he does with it when he gets it . i think he’s a confidence player aswell , so can see him shining with the support he would get at the toon if he put himself into it .
Hadrian
Nov 9, 2007 at 1:28 AM
Comment #20gotta remember he still want’s tobe in that argi squad for some time yet , he’ll know himself he will need to perform to stay in the squad , but first he needs to play week in week out . if you couldnt tell im all for this signing 🙂
a nice world class defender aswell in january please .
Leo
Nov 9, 2007 at 1:30 AM
Comment #21yeah get the russian, not because im racist and have anything against argies but he seems a better choice
Shane Coghlan
Nov 9, 2007 at 4:24 AM
Comment #22Huge, Huge fan of this player, a definate risk, but as a compulsive gambler, a risk i’m willing to take 😛
Len
Nov 9, 2007 at 4:36 AM
Comment #23I am praying this is agents hype. Kluivert, Luque, Riquelme, what have they all got in common. Everything. Andrei Arshavin looks the part and at least he wont be bothered by the weather.
donkey kong
Nov 9, 2007 at 8:38 AM
Comment #24Ashley really wants big name to be signed for Newcastle.
Riquelme?wow what a big big name,absolute happy to see him wearing black and white.
however, we may need to change the tactic we play just to fit his playing style.this may affect our result, either better or getting worse just like west ham(last year , when mascherano and tevez came)
he probably will suits and choose ManC over us~
aaron d
Nov 9, 2007 at 9:08 AM
Comment #25Surely we could get some kind of loan deal till the end of the season, with a view to purchase, these players don’t come around often.
Coolsmurf
Nov 9, 2007 at 9:39 AM
Comment #26riquelme is too big of a risk
Andrei Arshavin didn’t impress much so i don’t really know
nightfall
Nov 9, 2007 at 11:38 AM
Comment #27Chris – smith in first XI? really? you’d pick him over n’zogbia, duff, faye, geremi, milner, butt,…hell even the youngsters are all better than smith! worst 6m ever spent! …and this transfer was no gambel…he already sucked at man u…
aaron d
Nov 9, 2007 at 11:56 AM
Comment #28Anyone heard of this guy before? Macauley Chrisantus. Apparently Man U, Man city and Ajax are after him, only 17 and was top scorer at the Under-17 World Cup won by Nigeria. Got to be worth a look.
Ed Harrison
Nov 9, 2007 at 12:35 PM
Comment #29mkl, gordon and others – I was so focused on spelling Riqueleme right – I dropped the ball on Kluivert – corrected it – sorry about that. 😀
jiM Baker
Nov 9, 2007 at 12:53 PM
Comment #30bILL F…. Ribery and Podolski for toon… That’d be great!
Bosck
Nov 9, 2007 at 1:28 PM
Comment #31nightfall, everyone knows you don’t like smith but to say he sucked at man u is complete tripe. he basically singlehandedly masterminded their thrashing of Roma in the CL and would have played far more regularly for them if it wasnt for his broken leg.
Espen
Nov 9, 2007 at 3:19 PM
Comment #32I’d play Riquelme behind the lightning quick Martins away from home, and at home play him in a midfield quartet behind two strikers. Riquelme is one of the worlds best footballers on his day, if Newcastle can get hold of this guy they should definately swoop for him.
Newcastle are lacking creativity, and the answer is Roman, not Abramovic but Juan Roman Riquelme!
Pete
Nov 9, 2007 at 4:33 PM
Comment #33Smith is our best player. Love wor smudge.
Anyway, Riquelme is quality, fact. He is one of the most skillful players in recent times, and he did ace for the Argies – fair play.
The problem is that he is only good when he gets time on the ball. This doesn’t happen in the premiership, add to that the fact that his ego is bigger than fergies then you have a problem. Because he will be playing rubbish and trying to adapt he will get frustrated and completly ruin team morale. His history of throwing the toys out the pram is well documented. He is also old and is not one for the future. In MY OPINION BS should be looking for younger players who can develop to be awesome in the premiership. This doesn’t mean some young thug but a skillfull player with the right attitude and decent strength/pace.
There are plenty of these kinds of players around.
Another point is WTF 8 Million ?!?!? for someone that wants to leave, contract is almost up, club doesn’t want him, is knocking on, has personality issues – is completely unproven in a physical league….. seems way over priced and a rare instance of terrible business from sam.
With regards of Arseshaving – apart from the unfortunate name seems to be a decent buy and is around the right age to be playing his peak football.
t-g-w
Nov 9, 2007 at 4:37 PM
Comment #34I read in the Times (a reliable source, not the NOTW!) in the summer that Riquelme was offered to Tottenham, West Ham, and,yes, newcastle, and all of them turned down the chance to sign him. Why would we go back there now when we already said we didn’t want him? Something Sam obviously didn’t like about him. What’s changed this season if he hasn’t played?
Pete
Nov 9, 2007 at 4:40 PM
Comment #35Well, we deffo need some more creativity t-g-w. Don’t think Juan is the right kind though…
t-g-w
Nov 9, 2007 at 5:04 PM
Comment #36All the talk about Deco seems to have gone v quietly recently. Dunno who we should get to be honest. If there are any positives, it’s that Sam has worked magic with players that are “past their best” and he would do wonders with Riquelme – look what he did with Djorkaeff, Campo, Diouf (sort of) and Okocha. Even Anelka! It is a risky move but I think Sam is up to the task!
Bucks1985
Nov 9, 2007 at 5:52 PM
Comment #37Past his best… you’re having a laugh!!! I echo the sentiments of others that this boy is an absolute genius with the ball!!! He would walk into the team… take corners that beat the first man (a strange concept at St. James’)… he would bag ten to fifteen goals a season from midfield (a strange concept at St. James’) and will certainly not be a flop brought to Newcastle from Spain (a strange concept at St James’)… Please Sam… do the right thing and get Riquelme at Newcastle… you did it with Djorkeaff, Okocka and Diouf… Same again please!!!
James
Nov 9, 2007 at 6:36 PM
Comment #38t-g-w You’re wrong about Newcastle, Tottenham en West Ham turning down Riquelme, it was the other way around, he turned down loads of offers this summer. He only wants to play for Boca Juniors and won’t come to the premiership.
Riquelme is a fantastic player but he’s got a stubborn personality, I can see him sitting in the stands for another year and a half and fullfilling his contract just out of spite for Villareal. He’ll be a free agent in 2009 and will be able to return to Boca for free.
jMar
Nov 9, 2007 at 6:55 PM
Comment #39Juan Roman Riquelme is the best player in the world. Just my opinion. But I truly think he is. Would be beyond delighted to have him as a Magpie. Just look at the beautiful football Argentina played at the Copa America, all goes through him. Is a real shame for football that Brazil won the final, Defensive Ugly football won through. JRR is an absolute Master passer, his vision is incredible, goals – he has it all. He isnt fast but then he never has been. First article on here i havent liked. Admittedly he has an artistic temperament. But the football he creates is fantatic! Go on Sam get him in!!
lee, Malaysia
Nov 9, 2007 at 6:57 PM
Comment #40tyne side derby tips to big fat sam…
listen !!!
harper
rozenhal taylor enrique beye
milner barton smith n’zogbia
viduka (if he is fit) owen
please no more nonsent defending like wat u did against porstmouth. Big sam u dissapointed us like hell by playing caaapa whom himself admitted he was injured.. Come on gaffer, nomore silly mistake… in a meanwhile , get riqulme and ashavin in january. hermm, defenders to fill the filty hole in the back , my advice is to get edmilson or rafael marquez ( W