Sven Botman has enjoyed a bright start to his Newcastle United career, and Jamaal Lascelles believes the Dutchman will go on to become a ‘fantastic’ defender.
The 22-year-old joined Newcastle during the summer. He arrived for £35million from Lille, as the Magpies fended off interest from AC Milan to sign the centre-back they had previously wanted in January.
Newcastle got the man they wanted in the summer, unchallenged by Premier League clubs. That came as a surprise, but journalist Ben Jacobs believes other sides had doubts about his suitability to English football.
Eddie Howe and co obviously thought differently, and they have been proven right. Botman has been brilliant so far, and is yet to lose a game that he has featured in.
He has formed an excellent partnership with Fabian Schar, all the while keeping captain Lascelles out of the starting XI. And the 29-year-old has been full of praise for his teammate.
Lascelles on Botman
Lascelles has spoke to the Athletic about Botman, and heaped praise on the centre-back.
“For someone so young, he’s really calm,” Lascelles said.
“He’s a good size, is good on the ball and can move well. He’s got all the attributes to be a fantastic centre-half.”
Botman has got it all
Lascelles thinks Botman is going to be fantastic, but some would claim he already is. He has settled into life at St James’ Park seamlessly once he got his big break in Howe’s starting XI.
The Dutch defender actually started the season on the bench, but is now a mainstay of the Toon starting lineup.
There appears to be no weaknesses to his game. He has got it all, as Lascelles says.
While it is probably disappointing for Lascelles that he is on the bench, he can’t help but admire one of the players that is keeping him out of the team.
Newcastle struck gold when they bought Botman, and will be reaping the rewards for years to come. At 22, he still has a long way to go. In 10 years’ time, we could still be having the same conversation about how good he is in a black and white shirt.
And if that is the case, he will have been well worth the £35million Newcastle paid for him.
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