Anita could benefit from Cabaye uncertainty as midfielder looks to build on his 'best performance yet'



Alan Pardew says it was his best game for Newcastle United. And Holland international Vurnon Anita is determined to build on his fresh chance at St James’s Park after impressing against West Ham at the weekend.

The £6million summer 2012 signing from Ajax is one man who could benefit from Yohan Cabaye’s refusal to play while his future is sorted.

Stuck in: Anita (left) was an outstanding performer in the 0-0 draw with West Ham on Saturday

The diminutive midfielder played in central midfield in Saturday’s goalless draw with West Ham, partnering Moussa Sissoko in the middle with Cabaye and the injured Cheick Tiote absent.

Pardew, who revealed the Newcastle coaching staff had been advising and assisting Anita throughout last season and the summer break, is likely to turn to the midfielder again this weekend for Fulham’s visit to Tyneside.

And while Cabaye remains in limbo, Anita knows he can truly make an impression on the Newcastle boss, and supporters.

Finally: Pardew described Anita's performance as his best game for Newcastle

Anita said: 'As a player you always want to play and against West Ham was my chance to play and show what I can do. I did my thing. It is up to the coach to decide if I play the next game or not. I feel like I did my best.

'I liked playing in that role alongside Moussa, but that's not up to me. That's up to the coach to decide. If he plays us, if he plays me, I am ready.

'We have another home game for us to show what we can do and to try to get our first win of the season in the Premier League.



'We have to try to make sure we win more games at home this season. We need to do that for the supporters, for ourselves, we need to get more points overall than we did last season. Just as importantly we have to play better football than last season too.'