The 28-year-old Argentina international signed from Deportivo la Coruna during the summer of 2008 for £10.3million and the price seemed to weigh heavily on his shoulders.
The Magpies were relegated that season and he looked like a fish out of water, struggling to adjust to life in English football.
But he changed his game in the Championship - he became stronger both physically and mentally - and now he looks the Premiership star we paid so much money for.
Mike Williamson: "He is one of the most laid-back players I have ever played with. His quality on the ball is just unbelievable.
"Playing alongside him is not difficult because he is a world-class player.
"He has got everything in his game - he can head it, he can tackle, he can play. He has got the full package."
Chris Hughton: "He is having a wonderful season so far. Last season, he was certainly one of our better players in a good season, and what he has been able to do is take that form into this season, and it has been important.
"With Steven Taylor being injured and having brought Sol Campbell in and seen him miss the games he has missed through being injured and with Mike Williamson in his first season in the Premier League, Fabricio has been a vital player for us, and we hope that continues.
"I am a great believer that if you are a player who works hard enough at your game, are confident enough about your own ability and try to do all the right things, you stand in good stead to improve yourself as a player.
"He has been arguably our most consistent player this season."