Newcastle boss Pardew: I want Sissoko to play like Lampard

Feb 24, 2013 1:00:00 AM

The manager said he wanted to sign a "traditional No. 10" in the mould of Wayne Rooney and Marouane Fellaini, and he hopes that his new arrival can fill in that role

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew says he wants new signing Moussa Sissoko to play in the style of Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard, as he praised the Frenchman's fine start at the club.

Sissoko, since signing from Toulouse in January, has impressed in all three of his Premier League appearances, particularly in a match-winning performance against Chelsea as his two goals led the Magpies to a memorable victory.

The French international's arrival has coincided with an upturn in form for Newcastle as they have won two of their last three league games, having gone five matches without a win prior to his debut against Aston Villa.

Pardew has certainly been pleased with his new signing's impact at the club stating that he is a perfect fit for the Newcastle side.

"I think he really fitted the bill for what I wanted in this team. I wanted a traditional No. 10 and today that is really more of a midfield player's role than a striker's, with the exception of [Wayne] Rooney and [Marouane] Fellaini. I'd put Sissoko in that bracket," he told reporters.

"He's got that strength and stability to get wide players in the game. Frank Lampard did it from midfield for Chelsea all those years and I'm hoping Sissoko plays that role."

Sissoko was joined in January by four other Frenchmen and, ahead of a club-imposed 'French Day' in their game against Southampton tomorrow, Pardew also waxed lyrical about the club's support and their attitude towards the new signings.

"The city has embraced this French revolution we've got going on," he added. "We're all having a little go to learn French.

"Berets have sold out, you can't find an onion in Newcastle, they're all around peoples necks tomorrow.”