Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has given his verdict on defender Sven Botman after a strong start to the season.
Newcastle were beaten by Arsenal on Sunday despite taking the lead through summer signing Nick Woltemade.
Eddie Howe lined up with Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman and Dan Burn in his back line, leading some to believe that he was operating with a back three.
Burn slotted in at left-back, though, with Botman and Thiaw forming a potentially exciting centre-back pairing for the future.
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Eddie Howe praises Newcastle United’s Sven Botman
Botman is just 25, while Thiaw only turned 24 in August, so they could be a great partnership for a long time.
Thiaw joined Newcastle from AC Milan over the summer and has already made a positive impact at St James’ Park.
Botman has always been a fantastic defender, but injuries have been a problem throughout his career on Tyneside.
The Dutchman has avoided injury so far this term and has produced some brilliant displays in the heart of the Newcastle back line.
Howe has now shared his thoughts on Botman, telling Beanyman Sports that he thinks the defender is a ‘big player’ for Newcastle.
Howe feels that Botman help Newcastle find ‘another level’ thanks to his ability on the ball, and believes he can be a huge player when fully fit.
“It’s great to see Sven back to the form that we know he’s capable of, and he’s such a big player in terms of ball distribution and helping us elevate our game to another level,” said Howe.
“I think, when he’s in his best moment, he was fundamentally important to our rise two years ago,” he added.
Newcastle blessed with outstanding defensive options
Howe has built a strong Newcastle back line, not just in terms of quality, but also depth.
Newcastle started the season with Burn and Fabian Schar at centre-back, while Botman and Thiaw waited for their chance.
The depth doesn’t just come at centre-back, as Tino Livramento can play on either side of defence.
Kieran Trippier and Lewis Hall are proven Premier League full-backs as well, so Howe has plenty of options at the back.
Livramento’s injury will test that depth, but Schar has returned from injury and will challenge the likes of Thiaw and Botman for starts.
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