In other Newcastle United news, a Sky Sports pundit expects a £40k-p/w Toon man to force his way out of St. James’ Park in January.
A few Newcastle United fans have been sharing their admiration for Federico Fernandez on social media, after the defender hit the winning goal at home to Southampton on Sunday.
Fernandez began the Premier League encounter as the wide-right centre-half in Steve Bruce’s backline, for what was the 30-year-old’s seventh-straight call up to the boss’ starting line-up having played just 23 minutes in the opening nine top-flight games of the term.
His appearance at the weekend came alongside Paul Dummett and Ciaran Clark, before Fabian Schar replaced the Republic of Ireland international at the break.
Clark had been our most involved centre-back in the first-half of proceedings, having won each of his two attempted tackles while penning three clearances and two interceptions, per WhoScored data.
His numbers were only marginally better than Fernandez, with the 32-cap Argentine winning two of three tackles and recording three clearances plus one interception. He added a further clearance to his account after the interval, but did not register any more attempted aerial duels or tackles.
Who was our best centre-half vs Southampton?
Clark
Fernandez
Schar
Dummett
Fernandez turned goal-preventer to goal-getter as the game neared the full-time whistle, though, and hit the all-important winner with three minutes on the clock by reacting first to fire in the rebound after Alex McCarthy parried Sean Longstaff’s shot.
It was the £43,000-per-week centre-half’s second goal in 33 appearances for the club across all competitions, having opened his Toon account against West Ham United at the start of November.
Here are some of the messages shared on his performance at home to the Saints on Sunday…
Fernandez you have been an absolute rock.. keep doing what u you doing. 👍
— James Marjoribanks (@Marjoribanks9) December 8, 2019
Really hope Fernandez gets a new contract ♥️ #NUFC
— samantha (@mumba88) December 8, 2019
Big Fede Fernandez man. Been colossal since he’s come back in the side.
— ` (@AbdiNufc_9) December 8, 2019
Always rated Fernandez. Quality defender. Completely under-rated #NUFC
— Michael Armstrong (@MichaelArma1997) December 8, 2019
Ngl fede fernandez is class
— Wuke (@LukeparkerNUFC) December 8, 2019
9 of our 17 goals this season have came from defenders and Fede Fernandez is following shots in like a prime Alan Shearer. Next stop Europe. #NUFC
— Marley Anderson (@91Marley) December 8, 2019