Newcastle United fans have crowned Fabian Schar their player of the year in a Chronicle poll.
We gave fans ten names to pick from and the Switzerland international – signed from Deportivo La Coruna in the summer – swiped 28% of the vote as thousands gave their verdict.
Schar has been a rock in defence for United and weighed in with some handy offensive interventions, including Newcastle’s goal of the season against Burnley.
He beat Salomon Rondon, who took 22% of the vote, and Ayoze Perez – who had 19% of the public vote. Matt Ritchie was fourth with 13% of the vote while Isaac Hayden was fifth with 8%.
Schar was one of Benitez’s bargain summer signings and has proven to be an astute capture.
At just £3.5million, the Switzerland defender has established himself as a Premier League defender and has looked right at home in Rafa Benitez’s preferred formation – which incorporates three at the back.
United bring the curtain down on a mixed home campaign with Saturday’s clash with title chasing Liverpool.
Newcastle are three games unbeaten as they look to beat last season’s total of 44 points. They round off the season with an away game at Fulham, whose form has picked up since their relegation was confirmed.
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