Kevin Keegan has backed Jonas Gutierrez to become as popular on Tyneside as David Ginola.
Newcastle boss feels Argentine can emulate Ginola
Kevin Keegan has backed Jonas Gutierrez to become as popular on Tyneside as Newcastle legend David Ginola.
The Argentine arrived at St James' Park from Real Mallorca over the summer and turned in a dynamic display in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United on the opening day of the season.
He was closely marked by Bolton in his first home game for the Magpies but there was a sense of anticipation whenever he was on the ball.
And Keegan believes he can make as big an impact as Ginola, who brought a different dimension to Newcastle's play from 1995 to 1997.
"He is a different player, so he will establish himself in a different way," said Keegan.
"Jonas has got it in him to be thought of every bit as much as David Ginola, but in a different way, definitely.
"He has got so many assets. He is not just one thing or two things, he has got loads more."
Gutierrez has endeared himself to the Newcastle supporters with his willingness to work hard in defence as well as attack, and Keegan has been delighted with him as well.
He commented: "I said a few weeks ago, I think the fans are really going to take to him.
"But I think the biggest thing they will like about his performance at Old Trafford wasn't the long runs and the fact that he went past people and kept the ball well, it will just be the fact that it meant so much for him to play football and be in a team that wasn't going to be beaten."
