Why is Kevin Nolan constantly overlooked

As the dust settles on the decision to crown Gareth Bale PFA Player of the year, one would not be judged too reckless in predicting that it probably won’t be the Welshman’s last. It’s also fair to say that Scott Parker and Charlie Adam deserved their nominations for standout performances in struggling sides, and Vidic & Nasri have both been excellent for Man Utd & Arsenal. Of course this award is decided by fellow professionals and votes will have been influenced by who has played well against themselves, hence why many a quivering right back would have put a cross next to Mr Bale.

With the Football Writers award just around the corner it would be easy to assume that there won’t be much difference in their list and so it must be considered what attributes command recognition: influence, importance to team, goals, assists, passes made, games won etc... and if this is the case where was the inclusion of Kevin Nolan? The Newcastle captain ticks all the boxes and yet seems to be constantly overlooked.

The Facts

With 12 goals to his name this season Nolan is joint highest scoring midfielder in the league, as Van der Vaart and Malouda drew level with goals in yesterday’s games. He’s also on par with Didier Drogba and has struck more times than Rooney & Asamoah Gyan- not bad for a player in a newly promoted side.

Not known for his creativity, amazingly Nolan has one more assist in the league than Gareth Bale and just an interesting aside fact on the left winger; he has created less goal scoring chances than Welsh compatriot Simon Davies at Fulham.

Many would consider Steven Gerrard the greatest attacking midfielder of a generation and in the course of his Premier league career he has only bettered Nolan’s tally in one season; 2008-2009 when he hit the back of the net 16 times. Unquestionably Gerrard is in a different league to Nolan and you’d be hard pushed to find someone to disagree, but it does highlight the achievement thus far and just how vital Newcastle’s number 4 is to his side.

As well as his memorable hat-trick in the 5-1 demolition of Sunderland, a goal in the 1-1 draw with former side Bolton saw him notch up his 50^th premiership strike. Furthermore, aside from the home game against Stoke, Newcastle have not lost in any of the other games in which he has scored. Undeniably the other nominees are important to their clubs but certainly no more than Nolan is to Newcastle.

Unfashionable Curse

The former Bolton man is not one to go looking for plaudits and was honoured to be named Championship Player of the Year 2009-2010- yet recognition on the highest level has proved more elusive. Let’s not forget the Scouser was a key part of Sam Allardyce’s successful Trotters side, and much like his old boss he’s found it difficult to shake off the ugly label. 10 yellow cards and a recent two game suspension has done little to help matters.

Yet is he any uglier a player than say Scott Parker? Or are they both simply committed, competitive midfielders. Toon fans have witnessed both first hand and if you were to take a poll on the two- the votes would be stacked on the side of the current skipper rather than the previous owner of the armband.

It’s no doubt a frustration to all concerned that this label has followed him; as concentrating on his impact to his team should be the barometer on which he is judged, rather than a misguided and antiquated tag.

What Next?

It’s difficult to know what else the midfield general can do as his performances and influence this campaign have been of the highest calibre.

By no means are the achievements of any other player in the league being diminished as all that have been mentioned are exceptionally good footballers who have earned their praise through consistently good performances.

Yet it remains a puzzle and fuels the need for understanding as to why someone, backed by stats, is being ignored. Whether it’s snobbery or just plain ignorance there’s 52,000 people who appreciate his value every other Saturday; and although this is probably enough for Nolan, the time has come for more to recognise just how good he is.