Eddie Howe reveals he’s demanding so much from ‘magnificent’ Newcastle United star right now

Add as preferred source on Google

Eddie Howe has had to rely on some key Newcastle United stars this season. 

It has been a brilliant season for Newcastle United. In March, they ended their 70-year wait for a major domestic honour by lifting the Carabao Cup, while Sunday’s Premier League win over Chelsea put Howe’s side just three points away from Champions League qualification. 

The Newcastle United manager hasn’t had it easy this season. He has not seen his squad strengthened to any meaningful degree since the summer of 2023, while in January he saw both Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly depart. 

While neither of those were exactly regularly starters, not replacing them still weakened the Newcastle United squad.  

Still, Howe has papered over the cracks this season with the help of a clutch of key players. One of those is Dan Burn. 

Eddie Howe confirms Dan Burn demand  

The defender has been a crucial figure this season. Burn has played in almost every minute of every Premier League game this season, only missing the loss to West Ham back in November due to suspension.  

The 33-year-old also famously scored the first goal in the Carabao Cup final back in March, writing himself into the club’s history books forever. 

Still, what’s so impressive is that even that high point doesn’t define Burn. An absolutely totemic figure in Howe’s side, the size of his contribution goes even beyond that Wembley header.

Speaking after the win over Chelsea, Howe revealed he knew he was asking an awful lot from both Burn and fellow central defender Fabian Schar. 

“I thought Dan had another really strong game,” he said.

“The thing I love about Dan is his fearlessness when he plays. He’s very aggressive. He’s very good, obviously, aerially, but on the floor, I think he’s been magnificent for us this year in terms of covering ground.

“It’s not easy to do what we ask of him and Fabi, but I thought they executed it really well today.

“I think we have to be adaptable the way the game is going and it constantly changes. Your players need to be adaptable even in running. I thought we were today and that helped us win.” 

Dan Burn’s stats for Newcastle United vs Chelsea

As has seemingly been the case all season, Burn was excellent in yet another big game for Newcastle.

As per WhoScored data, the England defender made one tackle, one interception, four clearances and one block while winning two aerial duels and playing a key pass. 

Burn set up the goal for Bruno Guimaraes against Chelsea too, which settled some fairly sizeable nerves on Tyneside as the Blues pressed for an equaliser up until that point.  

The defender has been an excellent signing for Newcastle but, this season particularly, he’s cemented himself as a legend at the club.