Eddie Howe has admitted that he believes Newcastle United defender Dan Burn is underrated.
The 30-year-old has become a key player on Tyneside over the past 12 months, having joined the club during the January transfer window in 2022.
He arrived from Brighton for £13million, after Newcastle had failed to land their top targets. They were linked with the likes of Sven Botman, Diego Carlos and Benoit Badiashile, but could not get a deal over the line.
So the Magpies turned to Burn, and it is a deal that could not have gone much better. The local lad has grasped the opportunity given to him, and has played an important role in Newcastle’s success over the past year.
It means so much more to a player like Burn, as he comes from the area. He is a local lad who is living out his dream, after believing that it would never become a reality.
But now he is a Newcastle United regular, and he scored his first goal on Tuesday night to help the Magpies reach the semi final of the Carabao Cup.
It has been an amazing week for Burn, and he has received a huge amount of praise from his manager.
Eddie Howe believes that Dan Burn is an ‘inspiration’
Ahead of the game against Fulham, Howe spoke to the media. He was asked if he believes Burn gets enough credit as a player and a person.
“I think as a player, potentially not,” Howe responded.
“I think he’s probably suffered with that throughout his career that he doesn’t get the recognition that his performances deserve.
“Certainly from my experience of working with him, I think he’s a top player, whether that’s at centre half or left-back. He does the job very well.
“His leadership skills and mentality are separate because very few people see them. It’s his teammates, his coaching staff. The way he conducts himself on a daily basis – he’s a true inspiration to us.”
Burn deserves the plaudits
I don’t think many people would have predicted that Burn would do this well at St James’ Park. But, first at centre-back and now at left-back, he has never let his side down.
His performances led to calls for him to go to the World Cup with England, but they were not answered. That was a real shame, as he certainly deserved to be there based on form.
Burn is a player who hasn’t always got the recognition he deserves. He’s had a mixed career, and was even playing in League One as recently as 2018.
It was only at Brighton where he really started to get a chance in the Premier League. And even then, neutrals only looked at Burn because of his height.
But he is more than just a big man. He is a titan of defending and, in the words of Howe, an inspiration.
Burn is finally starting to get the plaudits he deserves, and long may it continue.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
