'Won't be many' - Eddie Howe says Newcastle United star is a 'total one off' - and it's not Bruno Guimaraes

Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar was singled out for his exceptional performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon.

The Switzerland international had a hand in all three goals at St James' Park as United won 3-0 to claim their first home win of 2024. Schar set both Anthony Gordon and Joe Willock away in the build up to Alexander Isak and Gordon's first-half goals before pinging a pinpoint pass to Tino Livramento who added the third in stoppage time.

Asked about the 32-year-old after the game, Howe said: "There won’t be many centre halves like Fabby, he is a total one off I think. He is a very good defender when he is absolutely concentrated and really well trained - he’s as good a defender I’ve seen.

"He reads the game well and the amount of interceptions he makes is second to none but he’d probably say his biggest strength is on the ball and he can see and execute things I don’t see many other centre-halves capable of doing and that’s why he’s so important to us.

"The two passes today… maybe the first one was slightly easier and the second one, I don't think anyone in the stadium saw it, maybe Tino [Livramento] did because he made the run and he probably knows Fabby is capable of playing it. But two moments of absolute class."

Howe also spoke about the importance of Joe Willock returning to the starting XI after the former Arsenal midfielder started his first Premier League game since November. The balance in the midfield helped Newcastle seal a first clean sheet since December 16.

“Naturally, I think our midfield does have a different complexion with him (Willock) in the team," Howe told NewcastleWorld." I think he has different qualities, although I have to compliment Lewie [Miley] when he came on because that’s a difficult game situation for someone so young, but I thought he did really well.

"But Joe does add a running and an athleticism that maybe we don’t have without him. I was delighted with his contribution. Yes, we’ve managed his game minutes, but it’s great that he’s come through three games and done really well."