‘Really pleased’… Eddie Howe is blown away by what 31-year-old Newcastle player has been doing lately

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Newcastle United manger Eddie Howe is having to play some players out of position right now, but it is not proving to be an issue.

We are seeing Tino Livramento shine on the left of defence, while Fabian Schar has also had to tweak his position.

The 31-year-old normally plays as the right-sided centre-back alongside Sven Botman, but the Dutchman’s injury has led to Jamaal Lascelles coming into the team.

Howe has opted to play the Newcastle skipper on the right, forcing Schar to slide along one place and be the left-sided centre-back.

It is a change in dynamic for Schar, but one that he is coping with brilliantly. He was exceptional during Saturday’s 1-0 win over Manchester United, and Howe is ecstatic to see him playing so well despite the small change in position.

Eddie Howe ‘really pleased’ with Fabian Schar right now

Ahead of Newcastle’s game against Everton, Howe spoke to the media. He was asked about Schar’s sensational run of form.

“I think I’ve been saying almost after every game recently how well Fabian’s played,” he said.

“I think his technical delivery, especially on the left-hand side, which has been a different dynamic for him. But I think he’s handled that so well.

“He’s been playing passes with his left foot when he’s needed to, he’s been playing passes with his right foot when he needs to, he’s built up some good relationships with the players around him on the different side.

“Probably never seen him in, mentally, such a good place. Confidence to step forward with the ball. He did it a couple of times against Man United and was a real attacking weapon for us. Delighted with where he’s at.

“Firstly when you’re a centre half, you have to defend well. I think he’s done that. Really pleased with him.”

Schar looks just as comfortable on the left for Newcastle

Schar’s passing range and dribbling ability makes him such a weapon from deep, and he has still been able to utilise those traits on the left.

He has been playing some glorious passes with his supposed weaker foot, while he has been just as dominant defensively.

Combine that with Jamaal Lascelles’ form and the absence of Sven Botman has not been as difficult to deal with as anticipated.

That has largely been down to Lascelles’ efforts, but a huge slice of credit has to go for Schar and his adaptability to still be as effective on his weaker side.

This Newcastle squad is so flexible, and it is a big reason why they are proving to be so successful in the midst of an injury crisis.