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Newcastle United's summer signing Fabian Schar proved why he is the best pound-for-pound signing in the Premier League this season, after a dominant performance against fellow relegation battlers Huddersfield helped earn his side all three points.

The Swiss international defender arrived on Tyneside from Deportivo for just £3m after the Magpies activated the release clause in his contract, a fee which is amazingly low for someone of the 26-year-old's pedigree.

Schar has slotted seamlessly into Rafa Benitez's backline alongside Jamaal Lascelles, showcasing a unique blend of defensive skills as well as ability on the ball which helps keep the ball out of his side's net and build attacks going forward.

Crucially, with just three points between Huddersfield and Newcastle, Saturday's trip to the John Smith's Stadium was a huge game for the Magpies, as a loss or even a draw would've allowed David Wagner's side to keep in touch.

Now, however, the gap between the pair is a huge six points, largely thanks to the commanding Schar. The former Basel man made three tackles, helping the Magpies to their fifth clean sheet of the season, whilst also making four interceptions.

Schar, playing in a back three alongside Lascelles and Ciaran Clark, seemed to suit the system perfectly. A three-man defence with Javier Manquillo and Kenedy as wing-backs allowed Schar to stroll forward into the space that the Spaniard ahead of him afforded, which allowed him to use his passing skills and ability on the ball to greater effect.

The summer bargain also managed to make a whopping nine clearances, and won four aerial duels against arguably one of the most physical sides in the Premier League.

As aforementioned, the three-at-the-back system allowed Schar to stroll forward at will, which can be justified by his two shots on goal.

All in all, if Newcastle are to survive a second consecutive season in the top-flight, it is crucial that they keep their £3m man fit. Additionally, for all the hate that comes his way, Mike Ashley's stubbornness in backing Benitez may actually be the main reason why the Magpies even found a player of Schar's ilk; had he bolstered the coffers a bit more, there is a huge chance that the club would never had signed him.