Shearer claims Fabian Schar had his best game this season for Newcastle against Leeds

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Alan Shearer has hailed Fabian Schar, after the defender put in a colossal display against Leeds United for Newcastle United on Saturday.

The Switzerland international was on top form for the Magpies, as Eddie Howe picked up three big points against the Whites.

Jonjo Shelvey’s free-kick proved to be the difference between the two teams at Elland Road.

The result means Newcastle are now just a point away from safety.

It was a resolute display from Newcastle in West Yorkshire. Leeds really applied the pressure at times. It was important for Newcastle to be much better at the back than they have been.

And they were, with Schar particularly brilliant.

The £40,000-a-week star (Spotrac) made a whopping nine clearances, as well as two blocks and two interceptions.

The performance was enough to earn him a nod from Shearer for his latest Team of the Week.

He said of the 30-year-old (via Premier League): “Produced his best performance of the season at the back, heading the ball away from danger time and again.”

Shearer also included two more Newcastle players in his latest XI.

Martin Dubravka was his goalkeeper. The Slovakia international made one brilliant save and was ‘commanding’ according to Shearer.

And match-winner Shelvey was also selected, with Shearer urging the player to keep that level going forwards.

Fabian Schar shines against Leeds and Newcastle need more of that

It was a massive performance from Schar in defence for Newcastle.

Too many times this season, the Magpies have wilted at the back and conceded goals too easily.

It is important now for experienced players like Schar to stand up and be counted for.

Perhaps he is acutely aware that Newcastle are trying to strengthen in his position. Maybe that lit a fire beneath him on Saturday.

Hopefully that fire continues to burn.