Almost five years ago, Newcastle United discovered a £3m release clause in Fabian Schar’s contract at Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna.
It seemed like a shrewd move from Rafa Benitez at the time, but it wasn’t long ago he looked destined to leave – not be a major part of the best defence in European football as a new-look Toon push towards a top four finish.
Under Rafa, it was often claimed he ‘couldn’t play in a back four’. A few years on, he’s shining in that very setup, showing his best and most consistent form in a black and white shirt at the age of 31.
In Benitez’s defence, he could sometimes be rash, ill-disciplined and often struggled with pace; three things that are no longer evident.
The man who Steve Bruce overlooked rarely makes the headlines – centre-back Sven Botman often earns praise above the Swiss international – but what if I told you he now holds a 20-game unbeaten run when named in Eddie Howe’s side?
Schar hasn’t featured in our only two defeats this term – a 2-1 loss at Liverpool and FA Cup exit at Sheffield Wednesday. In his 20 appearances this season, we have won 12, drawn eight, lost zero and conceded just NINE goals in the process while amassing 13 clean sheets in all competitions.
He scored a stunner in our opening day win over Nottingham Forest and almost broke the deadlock in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Fulham, smashing the post from a close-range free-kick at the Gallowgate.
The former Basel star was superb once again over the weekend. Not only did he win his battles against ex-Mag Aleksandar Mitrovic, he regularly stepped out of defence or pinged defence-splitting passes in behind to get us back on the front foot. His reading of the game was first class and he showed his aerial prowess to keep a certain Serbian quiet all afternoon.
So, while Isak was the match-winner and Botman continues to impress, it feels only right to pay tribute Schar. At £3m, he has to be one of the great bargains of the 21st century and is aging like a fine wine.
