According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is “going to have a real problem” keeping Sven Botman and Dan Burn happy at St James’ Park.
Howe’s starting line-up against Bournemouth caused quite a stir when he decided to bench Botman, the £35m summer signing, last week. Dan Burn was chosen to partner Fabian Schar in the center half for the 1-1 draw and because the manager felt his team needed his leadership qualities.
Botman, according to the Chronicle, has reacted to the situation by withdrawing from the Netherlands under-21 team for the current international break, opting to stay with his club to focus solely on regaining his place at St James’ Park.
And according to the Sky Sports reporter, Howe faces a dilemma as he tries to keep Botman and Burn on board in the coming weeks and months. Downie has doubts about the duo’s ability to play together in the heart of the defense, which means one of them will likely spend most of the season on the bench.
He told GIVEMESPORT:
“Honestly, I think Eddie Howe, in the future, is going to have a real problem with that.
“He’s played Burn at left back a couple of times and he’s managed quite well, but I have to say I think Matt Targett is a better left back than him.
“I think there will probably come a time where he will have to choose which are his two best backs. I can’t see him playing Burn and Botman together, so it seems like Fabian Schar and one or the other.”
Both Burn and Botman have been impressive for Newcastle. And while Burn has won more aerial battles, tackles and blocks, Botman is much more comfortable on the ball, which perhaps suits Howe’s style of football and so the latter has a better chance of cementing his place on this team. of Newcastle in the future.
