Rafael Benitez should try out new-look £17.7m defence

By Dom Toner

Newcastle United certainly have work to do on improving their squad moving forward, but the centre-back area is perhaps one position where they have enough quality.

The Magpies have some brilliant senior options at their disposal and have even used a back three at times this campaign to accommodate players.

But manager Rafael Benitez is yet to deploy a combination that could be the way forward at St James’ Park.

The North East club need to try out a three-man defence of Florian Lejeune, Federico Fernandez and Fabian Schar at the first available opportunity for the first time.

(Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United)

Lejeune, who cost £8.7million (Daily Mail), has missed the season so far due to an injury but is close to a return after he featured for the Under-23s side this week.

He was an excellent performer last season in the fight against relegation and looked a real force in the Premier League.

Fernandez has been an excellent £6million (Sky Sports) summer signing for Newcastle and been extremely consistent in the heart of defence, but fans are waiting to hear an update on the injury he picked up in the last game.

Meanwhile, left-footed centre-back Schar looks a real bargain at £3million (BBC) and has stunned supporters with how comfortable he looks at St James’ Park.

Newcastle are yet to deploy the £17.7million combination in defence, but all three are extremely good passers of a football and top defenders too.

The Magpies may have to wait a little while longer to see the trio alongside each other, but it’s certainly an intriguing thought and one that should worry alternative centre-backs Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark.