It’s not right that Rafa been forced to rummage through the market for nothing but bargains over the past few years, but two huge success stories look set to be Martin Dubravka and Federico Fernandez – two players who shone once again last night.
The pair have been our two best players of the season so far, and they were at their best in yesterday’s 1-1 draw at Everton – showing yet again just what an incredible piece of business it has been from Benitez to sign both for an alleged £8m.
Starting with Dubravka, here’s the unbelievable point-blank save he made in the first half to deny ex-NUFC target Cenk Tosun what seemed a certain goal:
Dúbravka's save (2): pic.twitter.com/MP9H6tfdny
— John (@jbxnu) December 6, 2018
A world class stop from the Slovakian – and not for the first time this season. It beggars belief that this lad would’ve been playing in the Czech league had we not made a move to bring him in on loan around this time last year.
And then to Fernandez, who put in what must be one of the blocks of the season to deny Sigurdsson’s goal-bound shot:
@pajarofernandez's block (2): pic.twitter.com/DvDJfsEiO1
— John (@jbxnu) December 6, 2018
Absolutely brilliant once again from Fernandez; our top performing centre-back this season and a player who responded brilliantly last night after a rare poor performance from him against West Ham.
And finally, for anyone who missed it, here’s Rondon’s emphatic finish after some great work out wide from Jacob Murphy:
Rondon's goal vs Everton: pic.twitter.com/PFUFFSlmda
— John (@jbxnu) December 6, 2018
Rondon’s tally is now up to 4 for the season, with the West Brom loanee scoring three of these in his last four games after a return to full fitness.
As for Dubravka and Fernandez, they are one of the main reasons we have one of THE best defences outside the top 6.
