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Cheick Tioté
Cheik Ismael Tioté (born 21 June 1986) is an Ivorian footballer who plays for Newcastle United as a defensive midfielder.
Club career
Born in Yamoussoukro, he started out playing barefoot street football, not owning a pair of boots until he was 15.[1] In 2005, he was scouted by Belgian side Anderlecht. He made his debut for Anderlecht in a Belgian Cup match which they lost to Geel after Tioté missed his penalty kick. In the 2007–08 season he played on loan for Roda JC.[2] After that he moved to FC Twente, where he was part of the team which clinched the 2010 Eredivisie title.
Newcastle United
Tioté joined English Premier League side Newcastle United on 26 August 2010 after he was granted a work permit.[3] He made his debut on 18 September 2010 against Everton at Goodison Park. His debut was very successful – completing all of his 44 passes. He also made two interceptions, completed all three of his attempted tackles, and his only shot was on target.[4] He started all of the rest of the Magpies' games, putting in strong performances against Manchester City and in the 2-1 away win over West Ham.
On Saturday 5th February 2011 Cheick Tiote scored a 25 yard volley in the 87th minute against Arsenal F.C. to earn Newcastle a 4-4 draw in a game in which they had been 0-4 down.
Style of Play
Tiote is a tough tackling midfielder and his composure has been praised, along with his strength and ability to pass. He has often been compared to Ghanian midfielder Michael Essien and has drawn praise from Didier Drogba who Tiote has cited as his 'inspiration' to join an English club. Despite picking up 4 bookings in a row, Tiote has stated he will not change his aggressive playing style and hopes to emulate Essien. Tiote has firmly established himself as a favourite with the Newcastle fans and has impressed pundits with his skill. He was sent off although getting the ball for a tackle that was heavily criticised for its injury causing potential by commentator Mark Bright on 8 January 2011 in an FA Cup tie with Stevenage. Newcastle have since had their appeal against the sending off rejected.
He had yet another Man Of the Match performance against Arsenal. His goal was a sight to behold!
He truly is a fantastic Def. Midfielder! He's similar to Xavi in the way that he pivots and turns and hardly ever loses the ball! Newcastle will be lucky to hold on to him in the summer!
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