Sven Botman justifies Netherlands decision with brilliant Newcastle performance

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Sven Botman was recalled to the Newcastle United starting XI against Fulham, and put in a brilliant performance.

The 22-year-old was left on the bench for the Magpies’ previous game – the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth. He had started the game prior to that but was replaced by Dan Burn.

But Botman was back in Eddie Howe’s side on Saturday. And he justified his selection with an excellent outing at Craven Cottage.

It comes after an interesting international break for the Dutchman, where he made headlines in his home nation for the wrong reason.

Botman had been included in the Netherlands Under-21s squad. However, he decided against representing his country.

After a conversation with international boss Erwin van de Looi, Botman decided he would stay on Tyneside to focus on his club career.

While Botman’s wish was respected, it didn’t go down well with his manager. On the subject, Van de Looi said: “It is everyone’s free choice to come here, but I was disappointed with that announcement, that’s for sure.”

The defender made a decision that could have serious repercussions for his international career, but has already taken the first step towards vindication.

Sven Botman’s performance should kick off a lengthy run in Newcastle XI

After spending the international break working with Howe at Newcastle’s training ground, Botman was thrust back into the starting lineup against Fulham.

He was named as left centre-back alongside Fabian Schar, with Burn moving out to left-back. And it was a decision that paid off.

Botman looked every bit the Rolls Royce defender Toon fans thought they had signed over the summer. He arrived from Lille in July, costing £35million. We beat AC Milan to his signature, which just shows how highly rated he is.

It’s been a slightly slow start to his Newcastle career. However, Saturday should kick off a lengthy run in the starting XI.

He didn’t make a single mistake all afternoon at Craven Cottage. He was dominant in the air and on the ground, with Aleksandar Mitrovic getting zero change out of him before injury forced the striker off.

Botman’s passing was excellent too, on an afternoon when Newcastle had to force the issue against 10 men.

Given how well he played, Botman has to start against Brentford. He deserves it.

And if continues to play like he did on Saturday, he will feel even more justified in his decision to reject his callup to the Netherlands Under-21s side. If he performs well enough, it could even lead to a senior international callup.