Sven Botman hopes he can become more like Liverpool superstar Virgil van Dijk during his time with Newcastle United.
The 22-year-old’s move to St James’ Park was officially confirmed on Friday night, ending a transfer saga that has gone on for months.
Newcastle wanted him in January but couldn’t agree a fee, but Botman is finally a Magpie after fending off interest from AC Milan.
He’s a huge signing for Eddie Howe, who is delighted with the club’s latest recruit.
Botman can develop into a star on Tyneside, and he has even been likened to his fellow countryman Van Dijk. However, Newcastle’s newest signing is keen to play down the comparison.
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Sven Botman hopes to become as good as Virgil van Dijk
Following his move from Lille, Botman sat down for an interview with NUFC TV. He was asked about being compared to Liverpool’s titan of defending.
“I’m far from his level yet,” he said.
“I want to reach that, that’s my goal. Virgil is a great defender but I’m far from his level.
“I think playing in the Premier League I can go faster to his level and I hope to be like him one day but I need a lot of time and a lot of matches. And I think Newcastle is a great environment to develop myself and become more like him.”
Botman can become Newcastle’s rock at the back
The comparisons between Botman and Van Dijk are easy. They’re both Dutch, and they’re both huge centre-backs who are good with their feet.
But Van Dijk is arguably the best defender in the Premier League right now, and has been pretty much since he moved to Liverpool.
He has a presence about him that makes it so hard for attackers to get any change out of him.
Botman won’t have that presence right now, but it can grow in time. He has the potential to be a superstar for Newcastle, and has all the physical attributes to thrive in the Premier League.
If he becomes half as good as Van Dijk then we will have been worth the £35million investment. Botman can be just as important for Newcastle, and Toon fans are excited to see him in action.
Hopefully it’s worth the wait.