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Everton piled the pressure on Newcastle at Goodison Park on Wednesday night, and the performance of Fabian Schar proved once again that Rafael Benitez is an absolute miracle worker.
As Jose Mourinho continues to bemoan his choice of £30m centre backs, his old foe Benitez is working absolute wonders with a pairing he signed for a combined total of less than £10m.
Federico Fernandez, signed from Swansea for around £6m, and Schar, who joined from Deportivo this summer for just £3m, have been nothing short of exceptional at the back for the Magpies, and Schar had his best display yet on Wednesday night.
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Everton poured in constant crosses and fired 19 shots at Martin Dubravka’s goal, but the Magpies came away with a point courtesy of Salomon Rondon’s first half goal.
Schar’s defensive dominance was remarkable, as he won six aerial duels and threw his body on the line by blocking four shots. To put that into perspective, every other player on the pitch combined for just four blocks.
The 26 year-old was touted as one of the best young centre backs in the world when he broke through with FC Basel, and his reading of the game on Wednesday was proof that he is reaching that potential.
He made six tackles, five interceptions and a ridiculous 13 clearances, all three of which were the most of anyone on the pitch.
Benitez’s gamble to help revive Schar’s career has well and truly paid off, and has once again proved that the Spaniard can work miracles on a shoestring budget.
So, Newcastle fans, how impressed are you by Schar? Is he the bargain of the season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…
