Newcastle United signed a star of the future when they got Sven Botman during the summer, and the big Dutchman is already proving to be a massive hit on Tyneside.
The 22-year-old cost £35million from Lille, and he looks to be worth every penny. He was certainly worth the wait, with the Magpies trying to sign him back in January.
A deal could not be agreed, but Newcastle returned to the table in the summer and got their man.
After a slow start that saw him sit on the bench, Botman has now established himself in Eddie Howe’s starting XI, and is forming a wonderful partnership with Fabian Schar.
Newcastle have one of the Premier League’s meanest defences, and Botman is a big part of that. He is thriving in the Premier League, and looks like the Rolls Royce we thought he was.
Everything he does oozes with class, and it is a joy to watch him play at St James’ Park.
One man who has been impressed with Botman is pundit Leon Osman, who has branded Newcastle’s number four as one of the signings of the season.
Osman on Botman’s impact at Newcastle
The former Everton midfielder has been speaking on the Premier League’s official YouTube channel. He was discussing how some of the summer signings have got on since the start of the season, and he was full of praise for Botman.
Osman was asked by host Kelly Cates how much responsibility Botman should take for giving Newcastle’s forwards the chance to flourish in the final third.
“Huge responsibility,” Osman said.
“You say the team are effective at the top end of the field. One of the reasons is beacuse he’s so trustworthy defensively.
“They don’t need to over cover him, they don’t need to have two or three players around him. They can release them forward – they can release them to press, knowing that he can deal with near enough any situation coming.
“I’ve been hugely impressed with his start in a Newcastle shirt.
“We spoke about Jesus at the start of the show and we said about the impact he’s had one the team – that’s exactly what Sven Botman has had. He’s had an incredible impact on the team and I can see that continuing.”
Only the beginning for Botman in black and white
Botman already looks at home at St James’ Park. It is hard to believe that he hasn’t even played half a season yet.
After 15 games, the Magpies are third in the table, and that is largely down to Howe’s resolute defence. Botman is a big part of that, and his influence is only going to grow in the coming years.
At 22, he has the potential and capacity to get even better. Time is on his side. He could be a Newcastle player for the next 10 years. He could be our Vincent Kompany.
That is what makes Botman so exciting. He is so reliable at the back, and that is despite only being with the club for a few months.
Signing him has proven to be a masterstroke. It is unclear why no Premier League clubs challenged us for his signature.
The Sky is the limit for Botman at Newcastle. Here’s to a bright future with him at the back.
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