BBC pundit Garth Crooks has included Dan Burn in his team of the week, and thinks the Newcastle United defender is having an amazing season.
The former Tottenham forward produces a team of the week after each round of Premier League fixtures, and the latest edition includes two of Eddie Howe’s men.
Nick Pope is named in between the sticks after his latest clean sheet against Arsenal. He produced some fine saves at the Emirates, and was even singled out for praise by Toon legend Alan Shearer. Crooks clearly agrees, and described the save to deny Eddie Nketiah late on as ‘outstanding’.
The pundit has also commented on Burn’s latest performance, after the 30-year-old had to face the lively Bukayo Saka on Tuesday night.
After a ropey start, Burn eventually got to grips with the task, and marshalled the England international well thanks to some assistance from Joelinton.
The former Brighton defender impressed Crooks with his performance, and he has had some kind words to say about the local lad.
Crooks on Burn
As always with Crooks’ team of the week, there is some discrepancy with players’ positions. Despite being left-back pretty much all season, Burn is in at centre-back in Crooks’ side.
Regardless, he was still very complimentary towards Newcastle’s number 33.
“I think Dan Burn is having an amazing season,” he said.
“Since his arrival at St James’ Park from Brighton, the defender has not just been ever present for Newcastle but has been at the heart of their defensive displays.
“Six consecutive clean sheets and two goals conceded in their last 11 games in all competitions tells you just how far the Magpies have come these past few months.”
It really is an amazing season for Burn
Burn was brilliant last season after his £13million arrival from Brighton. He formed a wonderful partnership with Fabian Schar and helped keep us in the Premier League.
His role has changed this season, however, with Burn having to play left-back. It did not look like a long-term solution when he first played there away to his former side in August, but Burn has since been the immoveable object on the left of defence.
He has been able to keep £15million signing Matt Targett out the side, who is another player that impressed last season.
But Burn has been undroppable, and played a key role in Newcastle boasting such a startling defensive record. The Magpies have 10 clean sheets this season, and have only conceded 11 goals. That is the fewest in the Premier League.
Burn is a big reason for that, even if Arsenal fans think he got away with one on Tuesday night. He took a huge risk with a shirt pull inside the box on Gabriel, and was lucky not to concede a penalty.
The Gunners have been furious ever since, as they continue to ignore the fact that they never should have had a free kick in the first place immediately before the Burn-Gabriel incident.
Newcastle’s stubborn defence shut out Arsenal, and Burn was one of our top performers. He really is having an amazing season, as Crooks says.
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