Are Jonas Gutierrez’s days as a winger gone?

FILE PHOTO: Jonas Gutierrez (R) against Fulham

If truth be told, then it would be fair to say that Jonas Gutierrez’s performances as a winger or as part of an attacking three behind the lone striker have not been good enough.

So far this season, Jonas has contributed only 1 goal to the Newcastle cause and has no assists to his name in the 33 games that he has played in all competitions. On the flip side, in a season which has been marred by long term injuries to key players, Jonas has been one of the key players too. With his versatility, he has been able to slot in multiple positions and has done an admirable job. He has played at full back, centre midfield, as a winger and as part of an attacking trio in midfield.

If you look at the numbers for the player, you will see that there is very little tangible output that is being delivered. Jonas is now having his fifth season with the magpies, and so far he has contributed 11 goals and 21 assists in the 185 games in which he has represented the club. The numbers are further diluted when you take into account the fact that 4 of his goals and 10 of the assists came in the 2009-10 season when Newcastle were in the Championship. So that leaves 7 goals and 11 goals in 144 games in the top tier of English football, in Europe and in domestic cups. These are the hardly the numbers that any winger would be proud of.

Having said that, he has been the perfect utility man for Newcastle, and some of his best performances have come in central midfield and as a full back. Jonas played as a left full back against Manchester City and Fulham, and has played centre midfield on many occasions, giving sterling displays. He has also played as a right back for his native Argentina in some crucial matches, including a crunch 2010 WC qualifier against Uruguay.

Given the fact that he has been more than comfortable in these roles and adding to the fact that the club has signed better players in the attacking roles,I would not be too surprised to see if Jonas does not play as a winger any more or very rarely. Even the player himself to some expects that; this is what he told a local newspaper back in September 2012:

“I have never played in the centre of midfield before, or maybe I did a long time ago, but not recently,”

“It is something all players may have to do this season with the extra games.

“My attitude is that I try to play at least 7/10. I try to do the job the manager wants me to do. Maybe I won’t be spectacular in that role, but I know that I will do a good job.

“I try to improve, when I have been given this role I try to watch other players who have played this position.

“It is the most important thing in football – you need to understand where you need to be at certain moments in the game.

“When I play left-back, central midfield, in the No. 10 role, I always try to find the best position to be in.

“The biggest thing is that you need to know exactly where you should be because when you are in your normal position you do it naturally.

“So I watch the best players in the world who play in central midfield and look to them.

“I watch a lot of left-backs and central midfielders to learn about them.”

Jonas has real passion for Newcastle and whenever he has dawned the Black & White, he has always given his best for the club. A manager and fan’s favourite, only last year he signed a new 4-year deal with the club.

I would not be too surprised to see Jonas give up as a winger and concentrate to become a better overall team player.