Many Newcastle United fans have taken to Twitter to laud Argentinian defensive ace Federico Fernandez ahead of the Magpies clash against Burnley in the Premier League this weekend
Speaking in his press conference ahead of the Magpies clash against Sean Dyche’s side at St. James Park in the Premier League on Sunday, manager Eddie Howe has lauded defensive star Federico Fernandez’s performance during the 1-1 draw against Norwich earlier this week, which the Magpies managed to achieve with 10 men following Ciaran Clark’s dismissal.
Howe said (via Chronicle Live): “I really love him as a person, the Newcastle boss said about Fernandez. I think he’s going to be invaluable. His leadership qualities are there for everyone to see
What did these Newcastle fans make of Howe’s comments on Fernandez?
“Please armband him. Class on Tuesday. Won the ball well, good strength, no stupid challenges and decent in the air, needs game time, Howe”
“Surely a positive sign”
“He has to start with Schär over Lascelles. No brainer. The guy oozes reassurance, quality, calm and leadership. Everything Lascelles doesn’t (plus Clark too) “
“Best cb at the club”
“Make him el capitano”
“Start him then! Manquillo, Schar, Fede and Lewis needs to be the back 4 until January. Captain or not Lascelles has been shite since Rafa left”
“Needs to be starting for us. Crucial for this relegation battle”
Prior to being thrown into the deep end just nine minutes into Tuesday night’s clash with Norwich when Clark was shown a straight red card for a awful challenge on Teemu Pukki, the defender had not featured for the Magpies since the dismal 2-1 defeat to Wolves on October 2.
Intriguingly, Newcastle have lost 51% of the games Fernandez has missed since Rafa Benitez signed him back in summer 2018 from Swansea (via Chronicle Live) – 10% more compared to when he is in the side, justifying why Toon fans have been right to question why arguably the club’s best defender has been sitting on the sidelines since Howe’ arrival at the club after replacing predecessor Steve Bruce.
Although whether Fernandez maintains his place within Howe’s starting XI remains in doubt, a victory against the Lancashire side would see the Magpies draw level with Burnley and fellow Premier League strugglers Norwich City on 10 points in the table as they aim to spark life into their Premier League campaign and surge up the table.
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