Report: Sven Botman was frustrated not to start Newcastle’s season opener

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When Sven Botman signed for Newcastle this summer, he probably expected to be a guaranteed starter at St James’ Park.

He arrived for £35million from Lille, where he was a mainstay in the starting XI. He helped them win the title, then played in the Champions League with them.

Now he’s at Newcastle, a team that was fighting relegation last season. But rather than walk straight into Eddie Howe’s lineup, Botman is yet to become a Toon regular.

The 22-year-old has started four Premier League games so far, but lost his place last time out against Bournemouth to Dan Burn. Following that game, he pulled out of the Netherlands Under-21s squad to focus on his club career in a decision that did not go down well in his home nation.

So how has the Dutchman reacted to his start to life on Tyneside?

Sven Botman has been frustrated

Newcastle faced Nottingham Forest in their first game of the season, and Howe started with Fabian Schar and Burn at centre-back. He left his most expensive summer signing at the time on the bench.

And according to the Athletic, this decision surprised and frustrated Botman. They add that he has been ‘similarly taken aback’ on the other occasions he has missed out.

In truth, he would probably be even more frustrated had it not been for an injury to Matt Targett earlier in the season. That created an opening for Botman in the starting XI, with Burn shifting to left-back.

It is easy to see why Botman has been frustrated. But in the same vein, you can understand why Howe has stuck by Burn. The local lad never let him down last season and was exemplary after his £13million move.

Howe dealt with Bruno Guimaraes’ arrival in similar fashion. He did not rush to start the Brazilian, despite his ridiculous talents being clear for all to see. Howe waited until Bruno was ready, and Newcastle have since reaped the rewards.

The Toon boss will hope that Botman can have the same kind of impact. While it is frustrating to begin with, he will eventually be a Newcastle regular. There is not doubting that.

Patience is key for the summer signing.