Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar's stock continued to rise over the weekend as he represented Switzerland in the inaugural UEFA Nations League finals.
The 27-year-old enjoyed an impressive first season on Tyneside following his cut-price summer move from Deportivo La Coruna, and he was many experts' pick to be United's Player of the Season.
He carried on that form in Portugal for the Swiss national side, and although Switzerland ended the weekend in fourth place, Schar impressed on an individual basis.
Switzerland arrived in the finals having seen off Belgium and Iceland in the group stages and the former Hoffenheim defender was an ever-present during the 3-1 semi-final defeat to Portugal and Sunday's third-place play-off loss to England on penalties.
Schar dispatched his penalty in the shootout, in what was his 50th cap for his country, and impressed for Vladimir Petkovic's side in both games. Therefore it was little surprise to see that statistically, he was among the competition's best XI.
According to whoscored.com, whose database takes into account, minutes played, goals scored, goals created, shots per game and pass completion rate, Schar's average rating of 7.18 was the second highest for a central defender in the competition. Only Matthijs de Ligt (7.25) ranked higher across the two games.
Discussing Schar's selection, whoscored wrote: "With four tackles, five interceptions, and 13 clearances across his two appearances, Schar carried on his impressive form for Newcastle over the season gone by but couldn’t prevent the disappointment of a fourth placed finish.
"He also scored in the shootout against England, whilst also producing two chances on the day."
That means the Magpies defender ranked higher than Holland defender Virgil van Dijk, for whom many feel deserves to win the 2019 Ballon D'Or after winning the PFA Player of the Year and the Champions League with Liverpool.
There was also a place in the side for Schar's international team-mate and former Newcastle defender Kevin Mbabu, with an average rating of 7.13.
whoscored.com UEFA Nations League Finals Best XI
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford, 7.14 (England)
Right-back: Kevin Mbabu, 7.13 (Switzerland)
Centre-back: Matthijs de Ligt, 7.25 (Holland)
Centre-back: Fabian Schar, 7.18 (Switzerland)
Left-back : Raphael Guerreiro, 7.06 (Portugal)
Midfield: Bruno Fernandes, 7.32 (Portugal)
Midfield: Frenkie de Jong, 7.06 (Holland)
Midfield: Fabian Delph, 7.24 (England)
Right-wing: Bernardo Silva, 8.32 (Portugal)
Left-wing: Goncalo Guedes, 7.03 (Portugal)
Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo, 8.4 (Portugal)
