OPINION
Even though Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez was working on a shoe string budget in this summer’s transfer window, there is one player who has proven his worth since his arrival.
Step forward centre-back Fabian Schar, who the club signed from Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna in July for what the Sun claim was a deal in the region of £3million courtesy of a release clause in his contract.
During the two starts he has made for the Magpies – against Chelsea in the Premier League and Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup – he has definitely proved that he is worth more than what was paid for him in the summer.
During the clash with the Blues, he demonstrated his experience of playing in the La Liga and the Bundesliga by putting out an assured performance, reinforced by the fact he chipped in with some important clearances despite Chelsea hogging the ball – a controversial penalty not enough to count against him.
Not only does he have experience of playing in Spain and Germany, the Swiss defender – who stands at 6’1″ [Transfermarkt] – has also starred in the Champions League, two World Cups and one European Championship at the age of 26-years-old.
This list is quite something for a player in their mid-twenties, and it definitely indicates that Newcastle have got themselves a bargain by swooping for the centre-back.
With Florian Lejuene out injured, Schar has the opportunity to show off his experience in the Newcastle team – but so far, he has only managed one start in the Premier League.
Boss Rafa Benitez should be jumping at the chance to start someone of Schar’s calibre week in, week out – but it appears that he does not realise what a bargain he has on his hands.
The 26-year-old ace would bring a wealth of experience to the back line, and this is something that United need at the moment to ensure that they register their first win of the season, even if it means throwing him in at the deep end.
If his achievements are anything to go by, then Schar is definitely worth more than the £3 million that Newcastle paid for him – but it seems like Benitez has not recognised that just yet.
