OPINION
Newcastle United defender Federico Fernandez excelled on his debut for the club against Chelsea and was a highlight for his side despite them slipping to a 2-1 defeat on Sunday.
The 6ft 2in tall defender (Source: Transfermarkt) was able to easily deal with most things thrown at him by the Blues and looked like being a very capable player who will make the Magpies’ solid at the back.
Fernandez arguably could make a case for why he was Rafa Benitez’s best player on Sunday and his performance raised the bar when it comes to fans’ expectations of him.
While the 29-year-old joined the Magpies with plenty of Premier League experience, it’s no guarantee that the player will be a success even if they know the league they’re playing in well.
Yet Fernandez showed no signs that playing for the Magpies fazed him in his debut and supporters will now be eagerly anticipating his next display.
However the pressure on the centre-back to deliver excellent performances has been significantly cranked up not just because of his debut performance but due to a set-back regarding Jamaal Lascelles.
Rafa Benitez confirmed in his press conference ahead of Wednesday’s game against Nottingham Forest, as quoted by journalist Lee Ryder via Twitter who was in attendance, that Magpies was set to undergo a scan due to a potential injury.
Rafa on Lascelles: “The doctor is waiting for a scan.
“I was talking to him before the game because he came to support the team and after the game.
“I am talking to him all the time.”— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) August 28, 2018
While it’s not known how many games Lascelles will end up missing due to his issue, it is known that the Magpies will be defensively weaker without him available to call-upon.
The only way for the potential blow of losing the 24-year-old for any period of time can be lessened is if a player steps up in his absence.
Given how he excelled against the Blues on Sunday than the pressure will be put on Fernandez to be that player as he is the most obvious choice following his recent display.
That means there will be way more riding on Fernandez continue to put in good performances for his side as the Magpies will need to be able to rely on someone at the back with Lascelles perhaps set for a spell on the sidelines.
This all means that Fernandez is set to be thrust into the spotlight at St James Park with Lascelles likely to miss few games which means he will come under more pressure.
