Sven Botman has already proven why Newcastle United were right to revive their transfer interest despite a failed January approach. That is the view of Warren Barton, who believes the promising centre-back is a future Magpies captain who can become 'one of the best' Premier League players in the next decade.
Botman was the subject of interest from AC Milan and Newcastle, with the latter making their initial approach in January. Lille proved to be unwilling sellers, but eventually agreed to a reported £35 million sale in the summer.
Eddie Howe initially continued with his centre-back partnership of Fabian Schar and Dan Burn from last season, although an early injury opened the door for the summer signing to make his full debut away at Brighton in August. Botman withdrew from international duty with Netherlands U21s in order to stake his case for a starting spot at St James' Park.
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The 22-year-old has started the last eight Premier League matches, and is yet to taste defeat in black-and-white. The former Ajax prospect has quickly become a firm favourite with the Toon Army, and been dubbed a 'Rolls Royce' for his consistent performances.
Barton has backed Botman to continue improving, and become a key part of the Magpies' ambitious long-term future under the new owners. The former Newcastle full-back believes the centre-back has the potential to 'emulate' fellow countryman Virgil van Dijk along with a host of Premier League legends.
Barton told ChronicleLive: "His potential is to be one of the best Premier League players for the next decade, that should be his aim. He's got his counterpart van Dijk, and that's who he wants to emulate. He's got everything to be that player.
"He's shown composure for someone so young in a league that is relentless and frantic with games back to back. But he has adapted himself to the Premier League in a physical sense, some of those tackles put in during the Chelsea game shows he realises when he has to compete and intercept a ball. That's a good sign for a 22-year-old.
"He pulled out of the U21s because he wants to be part of it, and I've got no doubt he'll be a future captain of Newcastle if he keeps doing what he's doing. There's a reason why we went after him for the second time, and this is the reason why.
"He can keep getting better and better, be a physical presence and be a Rio, a Terry, Kompany, Vidic, van Dijk. That bracket is where he's got to go for. He's quick, he reads the game, he just needs to keep his head down, keep working and the rest will come."
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