Former Newcastle United star picks five best ever NUFC central defenders – Interesting | OneFootball

Who are the five best ever Newcastle United central defenders?

BBC Radio Newcastle asked Steve Howey the question, with ‘best ever’ in this case limited to the last 50 years.

Obviously decades worth to choose from for the former United defender.

Do they match yours?

Some interesting Newcastle United central defenders discussed and now BBC Sport have reported on the top five Steve Howey choices…

Steve Howey’s fifth place

Fabricio Coloccini

“A good footballer – a good defender.

“He could defend when he had to defend, but he was very good on the ball as well.

Someone who wasn’t very tall but good in the air.”

Steve Howey’s fourth place

Philippe Albert

“Philippe was a very good footballer, probably not the most gifted defender, but a wonderful player.

“He got that iconic goal against Manchester United, but as an all-around player who happened to play at the back, I am going with Phil.

“He had a wonderful left foot and was a great lad.”

Steve Howey’s third place

Darren Peacock

“He was a defender’s defender.

“He’d be criticised, of course, because we conceded goals, but that’s just how we played.

It is difficult to mark three or four players.”

Steve Howey’s second place

Steve Howey

“Sometimes you have to back yourself and I am going to shove myself in there.

“From somebody who wasn’t a defender, to become a defender, in one on ones I wasn’t too bad, and I did like to bring the ball out. I could pass.”

Steve Howey’s first place

Jonathan Woodgate

“Good defender who read the game very well – a good footballer.

“I have to be honest, there were times when I didn’t see what everyone else saw when everyone raved about him [before he moved to St James’ Park].