Former Newcastle United defender Sebastien Bassong has said that no one expected the way Eddie Howe has gotten his old club playing this season ahead of their Premier League return next week.
The Cameroonian international made 34 appearances for the Magpies over just one season in 2008/09 but was named the club's Player of the Season that year before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer for just £8 million.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Bassong highlighted how the World Cup might not have affected the Magpies as much as some might think, having only sent five players to the tournament.
READ MORE: What Eddie Howe told Newcastle players on his very first day as Magpies start to dream of cup glory
"Newcastle are one of those teams. They had an amazing start to the season and before the World Cup, I was a bit scared for them because I thought the World Cup would come and put an end to their momentum.
"However, I know they didn't have too many of their players go to the World Cup, so I think they could've been working on even more heavily on the team-bonding, the chemistry, to carry what they've started [in the first half of the season]."
Even though it's been nearly 15 years since he first landed at St. James' Park, Bassong clearly still has the same love for the city, something he didn't hide either in his assessment of how their season could eventually pan out.
"Newcastle is a great city and they have great fans, and they really deserve to be where they are. Did we expect them to be where they are that quickly? Not really.
"But if they can finish near the top of the table, that would be a great achievement and that can then build their momentum on the long-term - which is something we all want for Newcastle. Personally, that's what I want as well because I love that club."
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