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Newcastle United news: Pundit 'stunned' by Fabian Schar transformation amid 'team of the season' claim
The transformation of Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar under the new regime is “stunning”.
That is according to ex-Leeds United striker Noel Whelan, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the catalysts behind the United turnaround.
Newcastle underlined the rapid defensive improvement under Eddie Howe with a 2-1 Premier League win over Brighton on Saturday to extend their unbeaten run to eight games.
They have surged seven points clear of the relegation zone and are now second behind Liverpool in the form table with 16 points from 18 in their past six games.
No player sums up the turnaround more than the 30-year-old Switzerland international.
“There are so many Newcastle players who are unrecognisable under Eddie Howe and none more so than Fabian Schar,” Whelan told Football Insider.
“I’m stunned by the transformation. Earlier in the season, he was on the bench and couldn’t get in the team – now look at him. He’s playing brilliantly every week.
“I look at him and think, you’re making my team of the season if you play like that. His partnership with Dan Burn, who’s been a superb signing, has been critical to the turnaround.”
Schar is out of contract at the end of the season, four years after joining Newcastle from Deportivo La Coruna.
He has made 16 Premier League appearances among 17 in all competitions this season.
Since joining Newcastle, the experienced centre-back has played 91 times, scoring eight goals during that time.
In other news, Kieran Trippier has “huge” role to play after injury news in the last 48 hours at Newcastle United.