Many of us were surprised to See new Centre Back star and Dutch international Sven Botman start this seasons campaign on the bench this weekend, however local lad and colossus Dan Burn always had other ideas. In a Chris Waugh piece in The Athletic Dan Burn is beaming, reflecting upon Newcastle United’s dominant, uplifting 2-0 opening-day victory over Nottingham Forest, and his assured role in it.
Burn Or Botman
Dan is the Man
Sven Can and should be the man
It is his eighth appearance in black-and-white stripes at St James’ Park and his seventh victory. April’s defeat to Liverpool is his only loss on home soil.
Yet, after Newcastle spent £32million ($38.6million) to lure Sven Botman to Tyneside last month, many supporters expected the Dutchman to immediately usurp Burn in the XI. Instead, Fabian Schar and Burn rekindled their harmonious partnership.
“Sven’s arrival has raised levels,” Burn says, doubling down on his assertion to The Athletic in May that he backs himself “against anyone the club bring in”.
“Jamaal (Lascelles) said when I came, it creates competition for places and everyone wants to play.”
But not everyone can play, something Botman will have to accept, at least in the short term.
His brief introduction in added time was a nice moment in one respect, giving supporters an opportunity to warmly welcome him, yet it also felt rather curious. With no offensive arrivals this summer, the Dutchman is this window’s poster-boy signing, but, despite the hype, Botman has discovered he must still earn his place.
Botman will no doubt get his chance and if pre-season displays were anything to go by we have signed a bracingly assured and competent centre back who has the opportunity to become a club legend like former captain Collocini
Up Next….Watch out for Seagulls