Newcastle United recorded their third straight league victory on Monday evening to pull clear of the relegation zone. 

It is fixtures between fellow relegation candidates which so often determine the dynamics of a relegation battle. To label Newcastle's clash with Burnley as a relegation six-pointer would be an over exaggeration at this stage in the season, but it was a mentally priceless win in the context of the battle to beat the drop.

Rafa Benitez opted to start with a new-look formation, compromising of a back-three and two wing-backs either side, and his side reaped the rewards from a relatively unfamiliar system.

At the heart of his defensive unit were three of Newcastle's standout performers: Fabian Schar, Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez.

The latter, who Newcastle signed for £6 million in the summer, was awarded a 9/10 rating by The Chronicle, before he was labelled as 'bargain of the season'.

On the evidence of his latest colossal performance at the back, one of many this season, it's difficult to build a case which contradicts that glowing verdict.

Relegated clubs are often a breeding ground for bargain signings, as Liverpool have discovered with their swoop for Xherdan Shaqiri, and Newcastle are thoroughly enjoying the performances of their own, albeit comparably low key, summer acquisition.

Fernandez has defended with a level of authority which peculiarly eluded him at Swansea. The Argentine is commanding in the air, willing to put his body on the line to defend Martin Dubravka's goal, and he's not bad with the ball at his feet either.

Mike Ashley's transfer policy is a tentative subject to say the least on Tyneside, but there is no doubt that, very occasionally, there are positives to be drawn from his tight-fisted approach - and Fernandez's opening to his career with the club serves to vindicate that notion.

With Florian Lejeune's lengthy lay-off to consider Newcastle were forced to invest in defensive talent in the summer within the constraints of a limited budget, and the decision to sign Fernandez is rapidly beginning to prove that it is possible to sign Premier League quality at a modest price.

Newcastle fans - thoughts? Let us know below!