Newcastle United’s Ciaran Clark is one of the top rated defenders in the Championship.
Newcastle United’s Ciaran Clark celebrates scoring their fourth goal
Aston Villa lost the services of Ciaran Clark this summer as Newcastle United stumped up the fee required to trigger his release clause.
His exit split Villa fans, underwhelmed with his 2015/16 displays, but also uneasy at losing the 27-year-old to a promotion rival.
As far as Clark was concerned, his decision to quit Villa for Newcastle United has already been justified, as has Toon boss Rafa Benitez’s faith in him.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez talks with Newcastle United’s Ciaran Clark
Clark’s new club Newcastle sit in third place in the Championship, one point off an automatic promotion position.
Villa meanwhile have been woeful, sitting in 19th place with only one win from 10 games, and manager Roberto di Matteo has paid for it with his job.
Everton’s Kevin Mirallas and Aston Villa’s Ciaran Clark
But Clark has not simply left one club for more fortunate surroundings, he is showing with his own displays that he was justified in moving on for the good of his career.
Far from the back-up he was suggested to be at Newcastle, Clark has made six league starts for the Magpies, and is rated by Opta powered statistical website whoscored.com as among the best defenders in the Championship.
Clark’s average rating is 7.50, making him the 10th best player in the division so far, and eighth best defender.
He rates highest among Newcastle players, and is superior to Aston Villa’s highest rated player, Jordan Ayew at 7.46, and their top scoring defender James Chester – 7.12.
Newcastle’s Dwight Gayle in action with Aston Villa’s James Chester
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