Newcastle United’s January signings continue to show that the Magpies conducted the perfect mid-season business. The five players who came through the door at St James’ Park have all played key parts in the club’s brilliant upturn in form.
That was clearer than ever to see in the win against Southampton on Thursday evening as Chris Wood netted his first goal before Dan Burn provided the assist for Bruno Guimaraes’ fantastic mid-air backheel. While Burn was able to showcase his impact in the attacking third at St Mary’s, he provided yet another imperious defensive display.
He has been praised, by many, as the most important signing of the January window despite joining the club with relatively low expectations. Frank McAvennie is one of those who has been mightily impressed by what he has seen so far.
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“I’ve got to be honest, I thought there might be something wrong with him,” the former West Ham and Celtic striker told Football Insider. “£13million or whatever it was is an absolute steal from Newcastle. To go at that price, unless his contract is up, which it isn’t, I don’t know how they got him at that price.
“There are a lot of younger lads at Newcastle so they need an experienced head in there. That’s what Burn has given them. He looks a confident boy, which is great for the boys around the training ground. He’s a player who talks all the way through games. He gives that bit extra as well as a Newcastle fan. They absolutely love him and it’s easy to see why after that ridiculous impact he’s had.”
Since Burn was brought into the Newcastle starting XI, his boyhood club have dropped just two points in five games as well as keeping a couple of clean sheets in the process. A vital 10-point gap to the relegation zone has been established and should now be an unassailable advantage as the Magpies look set to secure their Premier League status.
As Burn continues to impress in his home city, it is hard to imagine such a cushion would have been built had he not been brought to the club in January.
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