Ex-Sunderland star names the one NUFC player we “couldn’t afford to lose” – Do you agree?

Darren Bent believes Fabian Schar is Newcastle United’s most important player, feeling he’s our ‘best defender’ and the one man Steve Bruce ‘couldn’t afford to lose’.

This comes after the Swiss international was named in Sky Sports’ ‘squad of the Premier League season’ so far, with him not only scoring the equaliser in last weekend’s draw with Watford (and again on international duty last night!), but also shining in our superb 0-1 win at Spurs two weeks ago.

Here’s what Bent – who played at Sunderland under Steve Bruce – has had to say about the centre-back, believing he’s key to our survival this season:

“Newcastle couldn’t afford to lose him because he’s a very, very good player.

“If he can stay fit all season, that gives Newcastle a really good chance of survival because I think he’s their best defender.” 

I believe Joelinton’s goal tally, Longstaff’s form and Almiron’s ability to improve his output in the final third could be key in keeping us up, however there’s little doubt that Schar has now become a huge part of this side – both in his defensive and offensive work.

Not only is he a solid defender who reads the game brilliantly, his ability to carry the ball out from the back and create chances from deep is up their with the best in this division.

That said, I don’t think he’s the one player we couldn’t afford to lose – purely because of our impressive depth at centre-back.

For me, the players we’d miss most if they were sold or injured are Dubravka, Hayden or Joelinton, with us lacking convincing depth in goal, tackling defensive midfielders and goalscorers up top.

Do you think Schar is the most influential player in this Newcastle side?

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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