Van Dijk is levels above – Botman
TALL, strong, Dutch, playing at the heart of defence and arriving in the UK while still an Under-21 player at international level; there are a number of similarities between Newcastle United’s latest recruit Sven Botman and Liverpool powerhouse Virgil van Dijk.
However, the Magpies star has already rubbished talk that he is the second coming of his fellow countryman.
Botman arrived on Tyneside last week, and Newcastle fans have flocked to both the training ground and St James’ Park for a quick glimpse of their new £35m addition.
Botman took in his new surroundings and told the club’s media he was bursting to get started in the North East.
However, when asked in his first interview about media comparisons between himself and Van Dijk, the 22-year-old made it clear he still has a long way to go before reaching the level of Liverpool’s fan-favourite. “I’m far from his level yet! I want to reach that level, that’s my goal of course,” Botman told NUFC TV.
“Virgil is a great defender but I’m far from his level and playing in the Premier League I can go towards his level.
“One day I hope to be like him but I need a lot of time and a lot of matches. As I said, Newcastle is a great environment to improve and become like him.”
Pursued by AC Milan all summer, Newcastle feel they have pulled off a major scalp securing Botman’s signature in recent days. The defender is among the most highly-rated youngsters in Europe and is a welcome addition on Tyneside.
Speaking after his arrival, Eddie Howe said: “I’m delighted Sven is joining us. He is technically very good, physically very good and has a great attitude.
“At 22, he already has solid experience at the top level but he is at a great age to grow with this team. I am looking forward to getting to work with him and seeing him with his new team-mates.”
Meanwhile, United remain hopeful they can sign Jesse Lingard this summer, according to reports.
This is despite the midfielder – now a free agent after being released by Manchester United – holding talks with Tottenham and Everton.
Lingard has spoken to Spurs and Everton regarding a move but the Magpies remain in the race and are reportedly ready to convince the midfielder to join them.
Newcastle initially made a move for the former West Ham man in January but their approaches were blocked by Manchester United’s astronomical loan fee demands, only for Lingard to make just two starts across the remainder of the campaign.