For the first few years of his Newcastle career the Argentinean was considered somewhat of a slow liability. Not any more. Magpies boss Alan Pardew said that the Geordie fans could thank their central defender for the draw at Man Utd last weekend and added that they would not be in the position they are without him. He has been the backbone of what has been a very impressive Newcastle defence this season. The Argentine has been ever present at the back and seems a completely different player to the one they signed in 2008.
