Sven Botman's reputation among Newcastle United supporters continues to sky rocket after another sensational performance in a black and white shirt during the 0-0 draw with Manchester United. The Dutchman is beginning to form a confident partnership with defensive co-star Fabian Schar, who also impressed in the Old Trafford stalemate.
Botman, 22, was supposed to be being eased into life on Tyneside after his summer move from Lille but now looks among the first names on the team sheet with assured performances for Eddie Howe's side. The youngster earned a plethora of praise from the travelling fans, supporters on social media and Howe himself after the draw.
"He's a very level-headed lad. He's very focused on his work and also very ambitious and keen to improve," the Newcastle boss told reporters. "He's always listening and learning so he's developing really, really well in the side. He's a calming influence as well, he uses the ball very well. Another good day for him."
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Botman and Newcastle's backline were always going to have a tricky afternoon with Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Antony trying to give the home side the advantage. Botman's mission was to keep the 37-year-old quiet and he did just that, with the veteran struggling to have an impact on the game before being replaced by Marcus Rashford.
That fact will no doubt please the Newcastle man to no end given his feelings towards the Manchester United and Portugal legend. Speaking during a recent interview, the Dutchman admitted Ronaldo was the player he admired most as a young up and coming footballer.
On having to play against Ronaldo, Botman recently said: “Just any game, it will be normal. Last season, for example, I played against Paris with Messi, Neymar and Mbappe, you look at them on TV playing FIFA with them. But in the game, you are the same like every other player.”
Botman and Schar's form this season have helped Newcastle to the top of the Premier League defensive standings so far this term. The Magpies have conceded fewer goals than any top flight this season, shipping just nine goals in their opening 10 fixtures.
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