Former England international Darren Bent believes Newcastle United centre back Fabian Schar will walk back into the starting line up once he’s fully fit.
Steve Bruce confirmed at his pre match press conference on Friday, as per the Northern Echo, that the Switzerland international will miss Saturday’s clash with West Ham United.
Sky Sports pundit Bent feels he’ll be straight back in, though: “He’s taking any one of them [starting spots], to be honest,” he told Football Insider. “He’s their best defender and arguably he’s their best player.
“For me, he’s one of those players in the team where most people have to work to get back in there just because, if things are going well. This guy won’t have to because he’s so key to the way they play so for me he’ll just slot straight back in.”
OPINION
It’s very difficult to argue with Bent, here. Schar is undoubtedly the finest centre back at the club, even in a Newcastle squad that is pretty well stocked in the centre of the defence. As for Bent’s claim that he is the Magpies’ best player, it’s difficult to think of somebody better, as well. There’s Martin Dubravka, of course, and Sean Longstaff, but other than that there’s not too much competition. Even then you’d have to say that Schar is more consistent than the two of them. The statistics from so far this season tell us how vital Schar is to Newcastle. As per WhoScored.com, the 27-year-old is averaging 2.4 interceptions and 2.4 tackles per game this campaign, to go with 5.1 clearances and 1.1 blocks. Meanwhile, he’s chipped in with a goal and is averaging 1.2 shots and 0.7 dribbles per outing. He is just fantastic, and there’s no doubt that Steve Bruce will put him straight back in once he is fully fit again.
