As the second half kicked off on Saturday, we saw the reemergence of Fabian Schar.
The Swiss defender replaced the injured Jamaal Lascelles, in a substitution that won’t have excited any fans when it happened.
But 45 minutes later and Schar was a hero, having helped shut out Watford for Newcastle’s first win of the season.
(Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP/Getty Images)
Everyone was impressed with the summer signing, but just where could he fit into Rafa Benitez’s starting XI?
Keep Schar in place of Lascelles
If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.
The game changed in the second half for Newcastle, and Schar looked very at home alongside Federico Fernandez.
While Lascelles is the skipper, that doesn’t mean he is a guaranteed starter for the Magpies. Just last season, he started the campaign on the bench.
(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
With Schar impressing, many fans will make a case that he should now partner Fernandez.
Play Schar and Lascelles together
Another option is to drop Fernandez to the bench. The Argentinian has been impressive since arriving, turning up on deadline day from Swansea City.
He was brought in as cover following the injury to Florian Lejeune, but has gone on to become first choice.
(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
One option for Benitez could be to take the in-form defender out of the team, and pair Schar with his captain Lascelles.
There is much more longevity in Lascelles, therefore it might be a good idea to try and create a partnership with Schar, rather than the ageing Fernandez.
Play three centre-backs
The final option is to change the system we play.
Against Chelsea and Manchester City, we played with three centre-backs. However, that was part of a back five that was setup to stop the opposition. At no point was it used to really mount attacks or play in a certain way.
In Kenedy and DeAndre Yedlin, we have two players who could operate in wing-back roles. That would allow Benitez to get all three of his impressive centre-backs in the team at once.
(Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP/Getty Images)