Tayls Gets Frank About Gini

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

Steven Taylor believes Newcastle United have their very own version of Frank Lampard, in Dutch star Georginio Wijnaldum.

The midfielder - a summer signing from PSV Eindhoven - has hit the ground running in the Barclays Premier League, netting six goals already this season, including four in the Magpies' last home game, against Norwich.

From the moment Wijnaldum first took to the pitch wearing the famous black and white stripes, against Sacramento Republic in pre-season, he has looked a class act.

And his ability to ghost into goalscoring positions remind teammate Taylor of one of the best players to ever grace the English top flight.

"I've been really impressed with Gini," said the centre-back.

"He brings something to the team where he gets into the box at every opportunity - he's like Frank Lampard in a way.

"You watch him get on the ball, build up the play and then he just arrives in the box at the right time.

"He knows where to be and makes himself very difficult for defenders to mark - that's why he scores so many goals, because his timing is fantastic and he arrives right on cue.

"I can't speak highly enough of him, both on and off the pitch.

"Gini is very chilled and calm in everything he does. He is clever on the ball, dictates play at his tempo and knows when to hold on to the ball or when to bring others in to play.

"He is someone who can take the pressure of us when it's needed. In recent seasons we haven't really had that, but now we have it's fantastic to have that sort of player in the team.

"For us to have a player like that is massive."

Taylor is currently working his way back to fitness following a hamstring injury which required surgery at the end of September.

The 29-year-old can see the light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to his rehabilitation but - understandably - is refusing to put an exact date on when he will be lacing up his boots again for the first team.

"I've been off crutches for a couple of weeks now, and am kicking on in the gym," Taylor explained.

"I've got my head down and I'm blasting my body to make sure that I come back in the best shape.

"The first couple of weeks after suffering the injury were tough mentally and physically but then it's just a case of looking forward and working hard on my rehab, which is what I've been doing.

"I think December is a realistic target for me but I will only come back when I feel ready and spot on.

"Watching every week is tough - I'm itching to get back playing, to get out on the pitch and help the lads.

"But I won't rush it. I don't want to put a date on it but once I feel good I will be back."