Eddie Howe is absolutely delighted with Sven Botman’s recent form.
Botman, of course, established himself as one of the Premier League’s best defenders during his first season at Newcastle United.
Injuries, however, have not been kind since. Indeed, the Dutch defender has missed 59 games for the club through various problems.
Fortunately for Newcastle, the 25-year-old is back in the side and appears to be approaching his very best.
While Botman has been frustrated by his lack of playing time at Newcastle, it’s difficult to imagine that continuing now.
Rotation will be key over the course of a busy schedule but, on current form, Botman is starting to look undroppable for Newcastle.
Speaking after Newcastle’s 4-0 win over USG on Wednesday night, Howe was full of praise.
- Who is Sven Botman? Get the lowdown on Newcastle United’s Dutch defensive dynamo
Eddie Howe praises Sven Botman
The Newcastle United manager was asked about the former Lille defender, who has never been capped at senior level by the Netherlands.
Howe believes Botman is playing his best football since he suffered a serious knee injury back in 2024.
He also stressed that caps for his country would come if he continues in this kind of form.
“I think he’s been really good,” he said.
“I think this is the best we’ve seen of Sven since his injury. Very, very pleased with the three games that he’s had because that is a big physical ask for him.
“Today, I thought he was outstanding. I think himself and Malick [Thiaw] at the heart of the defence used the ball really well and that was a big part of how we controlled the game.
“So, yeah, very pleased. The caps will come if Sven continues to play in the manner that he has the last few weeks and I’m sure that’s something he’s thinking about.”
Urgent contract talks needed at Newcastle United for Sven Botman
At the end of the season, Botman will only have a year left on his contract at St James’ Park.
While Botman is open to signing a new contract at Newcastle, those talks need to be held very quickly indeed.
It makes sense that Newcastle would want to wait for him to prove his fitness before engaging in talks over an extension.
Now, however, he’s doing exactly that and will no doubt be attracting interest from elsewhere with such fine performances.
Newcastle cannot risk losing Botman cheaply at the end of the season. They need to sort out his future very quickly.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
