Adrian Clarke says the talented Dutchman brings aerial prowess and technical ability to Eddie Howe’s defence

Adrian Clarke looks at the impact of players who have joined new clubs in the 2022 summer transfer window. 

Sven Botman (NEW)

Sven Botman is one of European football’s most promising young central defenders, who will instantly enhance the quality of Newcastle United’s backline.

The 22-year-old Dutchman helped Lille win the Ligue 1 title in 2020/21, shining as a dominant centre-back who operates on the left side of a pair.

Technically strong and comfortable on the ball, a by-product of his education in the Ajax academy system, the 1.98 metre defender should be an asset to the Magpies in and out of possession.

Big figure at the back

He is a physically commanding presence who uses his height and strength to good effect.

In last season’s Ligue 1 campaign, Botman won a hugely impressive 73.3 per cent of his aerial duels.

That ranked him seventh in the division and it is a ratio that compares favourably with Newcastle’s centre-backs from last season.

Newcastle defenders comparison*

*data from 2021/22

Botman will engage with strikers anywhere inside his own half but he is at his best when dropping off deep to defend his penalty area.

When rival teams hoist hopeful balls into his domain, he backs himself to win his individual battles with opposition centre-forwards.

Positionally sound, he confidently uses his powerful frame to win those all-important first contacts.

During Lille’s run in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) last term, Botman outlined his control in this facet of the match, ranking sixth for aerials won per 90 minutes.

UCL’s leading headers 21/22

*Min five starts

If he lines up alongside fellow left-footer Dan Burn at the heart of Newcastle’s back four, it will be interesting to see which one of them is moved away from that side of the unit.

Irrespective of that tactical call, head coach Eddie Howe will be reassured by their collective ability to repel aerial raids.

Need to stay compact

Botman’s height and sturdy physique mean that he does have limitations when up against speedy forwards.

In 1v1s in wide areas he can look uncomfortable, especially if opponents make him twist or turn.

It will be down to Newcastle United as a team to ensure they do not become so stretched on a regular basis.

If they stay compact, Botman will look a far more composed and distinguished central defender. 

Tidy on the ball

He will confidently carry the ball forward before making a pass, often driving towards the midfield before releasing it.

Assured in possession, Botman was accurate with 88.1 per cent of his passes last term.

He does mix up his distribution too, displaying a noticeable improvement in his long-range passing for Lille in 2021/22.

Completing 77.7 per cent of his long passes, compared with 71.6 per cent in their title-winning campaign, he can accurately pick out a forward from distance.

He is a modern defender with a string of attributes that should help make Newcastle a stronger team this season.

Also in this series

Part 1: How Haaland will take Premier League by storm
Part 2: How Nunez can fill Mane void
Part 3: Perisic a perfect fit for Conte’s Spurs
Part 4: Jesus can propel Arsenal to success
Part 5: Awoniyi is ideal to lead Forest’s line
Part 6: Richarlison’s style can push Spurs on
Part 8: Sterling to give Chelsea clinical edge