Newcastle United Dan Burn is in awe of the size of new signing Sven Botman.
The Toon defender is currently in Austria with the rest of the Magpies squad as they prepare for the upcoming Premier League season.
It will be Burn’s first full season as a Newcastle player, while it is Botman’s first in English football. The 22-year-old joined from Lille at the start of the month, costing a reported £35million.
He’s a huge signing for Newcastle, who had been tracking him for a long time. The Dutchman is one for the present and the future, and Burn is already impressed.
Dan Burn comments on Sven Botman’s arrival
As the players prepare for Friday’s game against 1860 Munich, Burn has spoke to NUFC TV. He was asked about the arrival of Botman, and praised his newest teammate.
“Yeah he looks really good,” Burn said.
“Obviously he’s only young. I can’t believe the size of him for his age. I know I’m skinny now but I was even skinnier back then.
“He’s showed his quality.”
Botman the beast
Botman certainly has the physical presence of a Premier League defender. That’s why he has been compared to Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk. He has played down those suggestions, but is hoping to emulate his fellow countryman.
As for Burn, he knows he will likely be competing with Botman for a place in the starting XI. They are both left footed, although it has been suggested that our newest recruit could play on the right.
Burn quickly established himself as a star at St James’ Park, and will be unwilling to give up his place in the side without a fight.
In contrast, Botman hasn’t come all this way to sit on the bench. He will want to be a starter for the Magpies.
In an ideal world they will play alongside each other, if only for the visual of two absolute giants heading balls away left, right and centre.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
