OPINION
Saturday’s goalless draw with Crystal Palace, while not particularly pleasing on the eye, featured many scrappy performances for Newcastle.
Rafael Benitez’s side sought to contain their more creative hosts and succeeded in their mission. The result could not have been achieved, however, without the help of centre back Federico Fernandez.
The Argentina international was a rock at the back for the Magpies at Selhurst Park, making numerous crucial challenges and generally setting the tone for his team mates with his industrious display.
The 29-year-old appears to have formed a formidable partnership with captain Jamaal Lascelles in the heart of the Newcastle defence, and the pair certainly seem capable of shutting out many a Premier League strike force.
It was important for Newcastle to get at least a point yesterday after their run of defeats, and Fernandez was key to that. The former Swansea man is a class act at the back, and he really nullified Palace’s Jordan Ayew up front.
Fernandez joined from the Welsh side for £6million this summer, and he has proved to be the best of Benitez’s bargain basement signings.
He already had Premier League experience, of course, while his pedigree was demonstrated by a successful spell at Italian giants Napoli.
But perhaps Newcastle fans didn’t expect him to be this good this soon. He has slotted into the line up perfectly, whether in a five or four man backline.
Benitez’s team have struggled at the start of this season, making it hard for anyone to really impress, but Fernandez has arguably shined more than anyone else.
Certainly Benitez’s defensive tactics so far this term have given him plenty to do. He’s capable of defending doggedly for 90 minutes, though, while he has also demonstrated quality distribution out from the back.
Goalless draws are never going to get anyone off their feet, but they do give an indication of which defenders are worth watching. Fernandez certainly added his name to that list on Saturday.
