Eddie Howe sees a lot of potential in Newcastle defender Sven Botman

Add as preferred source on Google

Eddie Howe believes Sven Botman has got ‘all the tools’ to reach his potential at Newcastle United.

The defender joined the Magpies this summer after a lengthy transfer saga, with Dan Ashworth fending off interest from AC Milan to sign the 22-year-old.

Botman cost Newcastle £35million from Lille, and is seen as a player for the present and the future. And he is certainly impressing right now.

He was excellent at Old Trafford, producing his best performance since his move to the North East. The centre-back was a colossus alongside Fabian Schar, who helped earn Newcastle a valuable point.

Botman has earned rave reviews for his performance against Manchester United, and will hope to continue his good form on Wednesday versus Everton.

But the most exciting thing about Botman is that he has the potential to get so much better. He was a long-term investment by the Newcastle owners, and Howe believes he has everything needed to be a defensive star in the Premier League.

Eddie Howe on Sven Botman’s potential

Ahead of the game against Everton, Howe spoke to the media about Botman.

“My faith in him [Botman] is huge,” he said.

“We really fought to sign him and we stuck to our guns because he was the one we wanted. I see so much potential in his game. He’s very good on the ball but he’s surprised me with how good his technical delivery has been.

“He’s very composed in what is a very frantic league and that is really valuable. Defensively he’s got all the tools. He needs to work and develop parts of his game like everyone else but I do feel like he’s got a huge platform to build and grow into the defender he’s going to be.”

The future of Newcastle’s defence

The signs are very promising when it comes to Botman. He already looks very impressive with his composure in possession and physical attributes. But even Howe has been somewhat surprised by the talented Dutchman.

As the manager says, there are areas of his game that need improving, but that is true of most players. And at 22, he is already very talented.

He is establishing a solid base to build upon at St James’ Park, and will hopefully be on Tyneside for a very long time.

When Newcastle signed him, he was viewed as someone who can grow with the club. There’s every chance that he could still be a Magpie in 10 years. By then he will be 32-years-old, and could well be established as one of the best defenders around.

That is the aim anyway, as Newcastle look to be smart with their recruitment. Botman is a perfect example of that, and he will be well worth the £35million if he reaches the obscene potential that Howe has alluded to.