Sven Botman will have to wait for his chance as Eddie Howe looks set to repeat the Bruno Guimaraes strategy which helped the January signing become a Newcastle United 'crowd favourite'. That is the view of Tim Sherwood, who praised Dan Burn and Fabian Schar following the opening-day victory over Nottingham Forest.
The Magpies failed in their mid-season efforts to lure Botman to Tyneside, but managed to strike a deal to bring the highly-rated defender to the club this summer. The 22-year-old impressed in pre-season, but had to settle for a spot on the bench for the first fixture of the season on Saturday.
Howe opted for Burn and Schar at the heart of defence as a reward for their form at the end of last season, and the Swiss international opened the scoring against Forest with an emphatic long-range strike. Callum Wilson netted the second and Botman made his competitive black-and-white debut as an injury-time substitute in the 2-0 win.
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The Netherlands under-21 international could be made to wait for a starting opportunity, and it is a scenario which mirrors Howe's patient with Guimaraes last term. The Brazil international did not make his first start for the Magpies until March due to the form of Joelinton, Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock.
There were flashes of brilliance in several cameos, and the former Lyon playmaker is now one of the first names on the teamsheet. Sherwood believes Botman will not be able to 'argue' with Howe's approach as a result, while also applauding Newcastle's approach in the transfer market since the takeover.
He told Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday: "I think he has bought wisely, the signings he has made have all come off. You have to say that.
"The likes of Botman didn't play today, but he can't argue because Eddie never played Bruno Guimaraes and he's a crowd favourite now. When he first came in, Jonjo Shelvey was keeping him out of the side because the midfield were doing very well.
"He picks the right time to put them in, Botman will get his chance. But Dan Burn was outstanding, and with Schar at the back they were comfortable there."
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