Sven Botman will be Newcastle's answer to an in-form Harry Maguire
Jacque Talbot
- 10 Jun 2022 09:56 BST
- 3 min read
Following a saga that’s lasted since January, reports suggest that Sven Botman is edging close towards a transfer to Newcastle.
Even AC Milan, the reigning Serie A champions, have been unable to tie down a deal for the 22-year-old Dutchman, who has been linked to the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham as well.
Should the deal come to fruition, Newcastle - who have remained coy about their ambitions on the transfer window this summer - will have one of the most exciting young defenders in Europe on their roster.
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Ajax moulded the promising star. He spent over a decade at the club, including a season on loan at SC Heerenveen – a mid-table club in Eredivisie - where he earned his first full season playing in the first team. It has resulted in him being very comfortable on the ball, and showing a huge degree of competence in possession as well as doing defensive duties.
He can score, too. He has a superb 0.10 goals a game on average coming from the defender who enjoys playing high up the pitch.
Botman's overbearing 6’3” frame means he has vast strength and aerial ability. Though his towering sizes gives him some issues as well: Botman lacks pace and this slothful nature bodes poorly for a side looking to adopt a high-line.
And, indeed, as a ball-playing central defender, Botman shares a few similarities with Man Utd captain Harry Maguire.
They both like to apply pressure high up the pitch, and can each tackle efficiently, while their passing ability is astute.
Botman’s nifty feet and precise long-ball ability can see turnovers quickly turn to dangerous counters for his side - something which Maguire can often do for his club when playing his best.
How he can help Newcastle
Howe has used Dan Burn and Fabian Schar in his backline for the most part of last season - and it’s been no secret that the club have had their eye on bringing in a marquee centre-back to help fortify their defence.
Burn - who has been a revelation since joining from Brighton in the January transfer window - currently occupies the left-hand side of the backline for the Magpies, sitting beside Schar to the right.
What this spells for left-footed Botman is up for debate. He is comfortable on either foot so the likelihood is that Botman will be taking over from Schar and sitting beside the Premier League’s tallest player next season.
It would mean that Newcastle will be able to deal with any long-balls they faced from the opposition, get stuck in high up the pitch, while they can enjoy the development of a huge star in the making.
