Newcastle United star goes viral after featuring alongside Xavi and Toni Kroos in wild World Cup post

Dan Burn has hilariously found himself named alongside some of football’s biggest icons following the World Cup qualifying campaign.

Newcastle United supporters sent an Opta stat viral on social media after realising one of their own was among such stellar company. Burn ranked top among all European countries in qualification for the most successful passes per 90 minutes.

The 33-year-old only earned his maiden England bow in March but has made a further four appearances to cement a place under Thomas Tuchel. A dominant Three Lions won all six games without conceding a goal to book a spot at the finals next summer.

Dan Burn’s wild stat

Opta published a wild stat highlighting how Burn has made the most successful passes per 90 minutes (116) of anyone in UEFA qualification. He is sandwiched between all-time midfield greats Xavi (125) and Toni Kroos (114).

Toon social media circles soon latched on to the bizarre stat, with one jokingly tipping Burn for the Ballon d’Or. Another quipped that the Newcastle defender will probably ask for the stat framed as a Christmas gift.

Dan Burn chasing World Cup dream

Speaking last week, Burn set his sights on completing a meteoric rise by making the World Cup squad. He said: “For a long time, it probably felt as if it wasn't going to happen. I feel like I was playing at a certain level for a long time and was probably unlucky not to be called up before. But the new manager came in and suddenly I was given the opportunity.

"I’ve been buzzing ever since that first call-up. I'm just so proud to represent my country and I just want to keep ticking off those camps. I’d be delighted if I got to the World Cup. I feel like sometimes if you say it out loud, it gets manifested. So, that's what I'm doing!”

‘I truly believe’ - Thomas Tuchel

After calling Burn up for the first time, Tuchel said: "I truly believe that these two things have to be combined. I truly believe Dan Burn and Jordan Henderson have every chance to be with us in the World Cup.

“Football in general but maybe even more international football is about team spirit. It is about building a team that loves to play with each other, that transports the spirit to the fans, the nation and the country.

"It is about building a brotherhood. We cannot only do this with young players or senior players, it has to be a good balance."

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