Newcastle United

Newcastle United: TIF Battle – Fabian Schar v Joe Gomez

|
Image for Newcastle United: TIF Battle – Fabian Schar v Joe Gomez

Newcastle United remain in the battle against relegation in the Premier League, but recent results will have provided fans with some encouragement. 

And the Magpies’ upturn in form has come down largely to the turnaround in Eddie Howe’s defensive record, with the Toon having not conceded more than once in a game since the middle of December.

Who would you prefer a NUFC?

Fabian Schar

Fabian Schar

Joe Gomez

Joe Gomez

The Newcastle manager has improved his defence over the January transfer window with the additions of Kieran Trippier, Matt Targett and Dan Burn, and recent reports have suggested he is looking at Joe Gomez as a possible summer target, with The Athletic claiming they are ‘likely’ to be interested if they stay up.

Burn, in particular, has arrived back on Tyneside and played a big role in the recent victory over Aston Villa and the draw against West Ham United as one of Howe’s two centre-backs.

With the Toon potentially looking to add the Liverpool centre-back to their squad over the summer, let’s compare Gomez to current Newcastle defender Fabian Schar, who may well now be looking over his shoulder.

Gomez to transform NUFC?

The £22.5m-rated Liverpool man has had a difficult 2021/22 campaign to date, with just five appearances and a collective 102 minutes in the Premier League so far.

However, looking back to the 2019/20 campaign when Liverpool won the title, the 24-year-old had a much greater influence on Jurgen Klopp’s side, with 28 appearances in the Premier League.

During the Reds’ title-winning season, Gomez averaged 0.8 tackles per game in a Liverpool side that dominated the league having finished on 99 points with just 33 goals conceded.

But it is in the Champions League – perhaps against greater opposition – where the centre-back has excelled, with over one tackle per game across the 2019/20 and 2020/21 campaigns.

Believe in Schar?

Swiss international Schar has become a regular in Howe’s defence since the 44-year-old arrived on Tyneside last year, having played in all but one of the Premier League games managed by Howe.

But the 30-year-old, who is valued at £6.3 million (as per Transfermarkt), is unable to match up to the defensive statistics of Gomez, with an average of 0.6 tackles per game for the Toon in the English top flight this season.

Schar does boast an impressive average of 1.6 interceptions per 90 in the Premier League this term, however, the Liverpool man shows greater passing ability with a passing accuracy of 88.7% this season, compared to Schar’s 67.2%.

Who would be best for Howe?

Gomez certainly has the advantage on Schar in terms of age, and given the Toon will be looking ahead to their long-term future – if they stay up – this is a big advantage for the English centre-back.

And adding to their long-term aspirations, the Liverpool man would add yet more winning experience to Howe’s side and, in particular, their backline alongside La Liga champion Kieran Trippier.

Schar has been a good servant for the Toon and we think he could still have a spot in the side next season if they stay afloat in the top flight, however, for us, Gomez would provide Howe with a big improvement to his defensive options which could leave Schar settling for a place on the bench.

In other news: ‘I know’ – Ryder reveals what NUFC worked on in training; Howe will now be ‘disappointed’

Share this article