Captain Colossus Fabricio Coloccini

Having played for eight teams in the last thirteen years over three leagues in two continents, winning five competitions and throw in an Olympic gold medal to boot and the Coloccini effect on Newcastle is now in full swing.

Some players fail to rise to the challenge of captaining their club teams, while others were born to lead, Coloccini’s galvanisation of Newcastle’s troubled and often flailing dressing room is nothing short of mind blowing. The Argentine has lead by example, sticking with his contract on relegation and has cemented his place as one of the most consistent and capable defenders in the Premier League.

The re-emergence of Taylor and the talented Tim Krul has allowed Coloccini to excel further with the Toon having the meanest defence in the league conceding only four goals in their opening seven games.

Fabricio’s recent murmurings about remaining on into the future can only reinforce the professional attitude shown by a captain worthy to wear the armband.