Eddie Howe now says 'incredible' 32-year-old deserves a 'lot of credit' for the part he's played this season

Eddie Howe heaped praise on one particular Newcastle United man after the 4-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park.

There were many players that could have been singled out for praise today as every man in black and white put in a top performance in what ended up being a comprehensive win.

Alexander Isak took the Player of the Match award from TNT Sports, which wasn't a surprise given his two-goal contribution, but Anthony Gordon was also in the running as was the scorer of the fourth goal, Fabian Schar.

The Swiss defender was rock solid at the back but also a constant danger going forward and Eddie Howe had nothing but praise for his mainstay centre-back.

It has been a difficult season for Schar

Schar has had to deal with having a different defensive partner almost every other week this season as he is the only player who has started every Premier League game for Newcastle.

Eddie Howe spoke to TNT Sports after the game and couldn't speak highly enough of the work Schar has done this season.

"This season, Fabian, we've really needed him. Around him he's lost some big partners to injury and he's been the sort of consistent in the team.

"He's been incredible on the ball and I know Fabi will pride himself on that. But it's not good being good on the ball if defensively you're not at the highest level, and he has.

"I think that's the area of his game that he deserves the biggest credit for. He's been diligent, his positioning has been excellent and his attitude to defending has been excellent and he deserves a lot of credit for his performances this season."

Fabian Schar is on the Player of the Year shortlist

Fabian Schar is another player on the shortlist for the Player of the Season along with Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes.

As a defender, it's so easy to remember any mistakes or little errors throughout a game, but Schar always manages to do something that makes you forget if he does put a foot wrong.

It's mind-blowing to think how close we were to losing him before Eddie Howe came in and rejuvenated his career.