Newcastle have been without some key performers at the back this season but those who have come in to replace them have stepped up to the plate in remarkable fashion.
Steve Bruce could have been forgiven for fearing the worst after Jamaal Lascelles was ruled out until January 2020 a few weeks ago and though they lost the following game against Aston Villa they have bounced back empathically.
Federico Fernandez has played a big part in that, as the Argentine has barely put a foot wrong and has conducted himself with composure at the back, which is much-needed with the captain’s absence.
He is working very well alongside Ciaran Clark and fans are beginning to recognise their importance, though perhaps the credit ought to be directed at Bruce for his organisation and motivation of the players.
Regardless, Fernandez is a worthy target of praise considering he has averaged 6.9 clearances per league game this term and kept Lys Mousset quiet against Sheffield United.
Couldn't agree more! The argentinian mountain.
— Hallvard Mostrøm (@Hamos88) December 6, 2019
Spot on! Been immense since he’s come into the team this season
— Ben Lickley (@lickers1982) December 6, 2019
He’s been outstanding, hasn’t he?
A really shrewd acquisition, that one #NUFC— Dean Burns (@deanoburns) December 6, 2019
I’ve been wrong on some occasions (wasn’t sure about Saint-Maximin and maybe still a little early to tell) but I was really pleased when Fede signed. At the time we were struggling with Lejeune out and you couldn’t go wrong at the price. Superb signing.
— Graham Megennis #FBPE 🏳️🌈🇪🇺 (@GrahamMegennis) December 6, 2019
Fernandez is better than that Virgil
— sam raynor (@RomperstomperR) December 5, 2019
Fernandez has worked hard to get into the position he’s in but he may need to work even harder if he is to maintain his place in the team, as Newcastle have several other capable centre-backs who will challenge his place once they are fully fit.
He has proved to Bruce that he can be relied upon though and he is key to Newcastle’s defensive style, as they invite a lot of pressure and balls into the box, which he is capable of dealing with if you look at his clearances stat.
The 30-year-old has now swayed the thinking of some Magpies’ fans too as they doubted him when he first joined, only to become one of their better and more important defenders.
Honest didn’t rate the bloke last season, different man this season around!
— Dave (@davePnixon91) December 6, 2019
He’s doing better than rafa to be fair. Awful to watch but effective. Fernandez and Clark been a revelation
— Albert mooney (@Albertm70911962) December 6, 2019
Same with Manquillo, dodgy first year, but he has been reliable ever since!
— LWP. (@Fcb1892) December 6, 2019
Newcastle fans also took time to praise another star performer after the Sheffield United match, here is what they have had to say.
