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Chris Knight

From Andy Carroll to Joelinton - who is the best Newcastle United number nine of the decade?

The No 9 shirt at Newcastle United is a prized asset among strikers.

The feats of legendary goalscorers such as Malcolm Macdonald, Andy Cole and Alan Shearer have all helped to build the prestige of the famous squad number.

For some, the burden of the illustrious jersey has proven too heavy to handle.

Five strikers have worn the famous No 9 for United in the last decade.

Curiously, three of the forwards remain with the Magpies, with Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle wearing the number seven and 12 jerseys respectively.

The question we're asking is who has been the Magpies' best number nine in a decade which has seen the highs of European football and the lows of a second relegation under owner Mike Ashley.

Here, we take a look back at United's No 9s through the 2010s before asking YOU to place your vote below:

Andy Carroll (2010-2011)

Andy Carroll celebrates with Chris Hughton after scoring for Newcastle at Arsenal (Kent Gavin Daily Mirror)

Appearances: 101

Goals: 33

Carroll was rewarded for his fine form in United's return to the top flight at the first time of asking with the number nine shirt.

The academy graduate scored 11 goals in 19 matches in the 2010/11 campaign before his shocking deadline-day transfer to Liverpool.

Following an injury-ravaged spell at West Ham, Carroll returned to St James' Park in the summer and is still waiting for his first goal back in black and white.

Papiss Cisse (2012-2016)

Papiss Cisse of Newcastle (Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)

Appearances: 131

Goals: 44

Cisse made a spectacular start to life at United upon his arrival in January 2012, scoring 14 times in 13 matches to help Alan Pardew's side secure a fifth-placed finish.

The Senegalese striker's form fluctuated throughout his remaining seasons with the Magpies before his move to Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng.

Cisse netted several memorable strikes for the club including last-gasp winners against Anzhi Makhachkala and Fulham, as well as astonishing volleys against Southampton and Chelsea.

Dwight Gayle (2016-2018)

Newcastle United v Southampton at St James' Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne ----- Newcastle's Dwight Gayle celebrates Kenedy's 2nd goal (Newcastle Chronicle)

Appearances: 76

Goals: 29

Gayle was signed as part of Rafa Benitez's rebuild following relegation to the Championship, and he duly delivered with the goals which helped secure an instant return.

The former Crystal Palace striker bagged a remarkable hat-trick in the Magpies' comeback victory over Norwich, and scored six goals on the club's return to the Premier League.

Gayle was loaned to West Brom as part of the deal which saw Rondon arrive on Tyneside, and has found opportunities under new head coach Steve Bruce limited so far.

Salomon Rondon (2018-2019)

Newcastle United's Salomon Rondon celebrates scoring his side's first goal (PA)

Appearances: 33

Goals: 12

After a protracted pursuit in the summer, Benitez finally got his man - albeit on a season-long loan deal.

Rondon repaid the faith of his manager, weighing in with 12 goals and proving a valuable focal point for the Magpies.

Despite much clamour among supporters to make the move permanent, the Venezuelan international ended up linking up with Benitez once again at Chinese Super League outfit Dalian Yifang.

Joelinton (2019-present)

Joelinton of Newcastle United (Getty Images)

Appearances: 17

Goals: 1

The Magpies smashed their transfer record to bring Joelinton to Tyneside from German side Hoffenheim.

The Brazilian has spoken of his desire to establish himself as a number nine, but has so far struggled to adjust to life in the Premier League.

Joelinton's only goal so far for United came in the surprise victory at Tottenham, and Bruce recently deployed the attacker in a wider role in the defeat at Burnley.

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