Reports about young Chelsea full-back Lewis Hall joining Newcastle United are gathering pace, but with another left-back seemingly close to coming in, where does that leave Dan Burn?
Big Dan Burn, to give him his proper title, has been a revelation since joining his beloved Newcastle from Brighton in the PIF‘s first January transfer window and now The Athletic have shone some light on the thinking behind Dan Burn and Lewis Hall.
Brought in as a central-defender, Burn spent the majority of last season playing as a left-back for Newcastle. A role he wasn’t all-too unfamiliar with, but it’s still not regarded as his natural position.
Burn kept full-back Matt Targett out of the side last season
Burn’s versatility is a huge asset, and the fact that he did so well playing out of position, keeping new signing Matt Targett, a natural left-back, out of the side should show how well he’s done for his boyhood club.
However, Eddie Howe‘s style of play demands a full-back who can get forward and ping crosses in like Kieran Trippier does on the right side of the pitch, which Lewis Hall will be more adept at doing than Burn.
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Burn never really got comfortable with that side of the game. A dependable defender, for sure, but his output on the attack is poor.
Burn deserves his shot at the Champions League for Newcastle
Now with a deal for 18-year-old Hall looking close, The Athletic have been quick to point out that Burn still has a future at Newcastle, saying: “This should not be seen as a direct replacement for Dan Burn. The Blyth-born defender triggered a contract extension this summer and is still seen as a vital part of both the first-team squad and the leadership group. He also possesses the ability to slide inside to play as a centre-back if required.”
The towering defender has become a fan favourite since he arrived on Tyneside for his cheeky personality, funny interviews and I suppose … that dance!
If anyone in that Newcastle squad deserves the chance to play in the Champions League it’s the Blyth-born former season ticket holder.