Jamie Redknapp has bullishly claimed Sven Botman could become the best Premier League centre-back of all time. Another rock-solid performance from the Dutchman helped earn Newcastle United a statement victory against Tottenham Hotspur.
Toon chiefs made no secret of their desire to sign Botman, with months of negotiations culminating in him finally signing in June. Similarly to Bruno Guimaraes, Eddie Howe eased the 22-year-old into life on Tyneside - and is now reaping the benefits for doing so.
Botman put in another monstrous performance to keep Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son quiet. Astonishingly, he remains undefeated in his 10 appearances in a black-and-white shirt.
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Former Spurs midfielder Jamie Redknapp believes the defender has the potential to surpass top-flight legends like Rio Ferdinand and John Terry. He told Sky Sports post-match: “All of a sudden, they’ve got a lot of commodities. Now they look more than good enough… so strong.
“Botman at the back, 22, we’ve seen some good centre-backs in this league (but) he’s got the capabilities to be better than them. He’s a real leader of men - what a special player he is.”
Redknapp also eulogised Eddie Howe for inspiring Newcastle’s incredible turnaround since his appointment. Players whose days looked numbered on Tyneside are now integral to the Magpies’ side.
“There was a lot of dissent in previous years,” he added. “They (Newcastle fans) weren’t happy with their owners, they got the right people in, in their mind, and they’re flying.
“They’ve created a brilliant environment which comes from winning games but also the manager. What Eddie Howe deserves credit for is, when you sign Guimaraes, you’re signing a great player, you know that, but what he’s done with the likes of Joelinton.
“When Joelinton was there, I thought they’d maybe sell him… surplus to requirements. He’s done so well and look what Almiron’s doing - I can’t believe he’s producing that much quality. Fabian Schar now looks like an accomplished centre-back.
“That’s where you deserve the most credit. Yeah, you can bring in loads of players, bring them in but can you work with players? Get the most out of them? The manager deserves that (praise).”
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