2019/20 Newcastle United Player Review: Federico Fernandez

Federico Fernandez may have been Newcastle United’s most consistent defender this season.

Newcastle United’s deepest position entering last season was definitely central defense. But, injuries and inconsistent play impacted the group as the season wore on. One of the players least impact by both was Federico Fernandez, who may have been the club’s best defender of the campaign.

2019/20 EPL stats: 32 appearances, two goals, two assists, 185 clearances, zero errors leading to goals

Expert Breakdown

Durim Halimi: Federico Fernandez stepped up for Newcastle United in a big way. Once again, he started the season as a rotation player, but as soon as his number was called he made it impossible for Steve Bruce to drop him.

Fernandez did a phenomenal job of disrupting opposing attacks by intercepting key passes, confronting players before they could move with the ball, and he constantly put his body on the line to make life easier for Martin Dubravka.

The fact that Fernandez scored two goals was a major plus for the Magpies. With the scoring woes up top, having a defender who can pitch in with some meaningful goals in critical games is great to have.

Carson A. Merk: Entering the season, Federico Fernandez was just another solid defender in my eyes. You had captain Jamaal Lascelles, star newcomer Fabian Schar, and then the group of Florian Lejeune, Ciaran Clark, Paul Dummett, and Fernandez.

But, as injuries started to take out some of that group and Schar struggled with inconsistency, Fede emerged as one of the most trustworthy defenders you could ask for.

He scored in a win over West Ham and also provided the match-winner vs. Southampton late in fixture. He’s good in the air and arguably the best on the roster at timing a tackle in the box. The 31-year-old’s contract is up after this season and the club would be wise to tie him down with an extension.