Eddie Howe reveals the Sven Botman move that got ‘blown out of proportion’ at Newcastle United

Sven Botman turned down his Netherlands under-21s call-up in favour of remaining with Newcastle United during the international break.
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Eddie Howe defended Sven Botman’s decision to withdraw from the Netherland under-21s and focus on his Newcastle United career.

Erwin van de Looi, the Dutch U21s boss, expressed his disappointment after Botman decided to remain on Tyneside during the last international break.

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The 22-year-old told van de Looi of his desire to nail down a permanent place in United’s starting XI following his £35million summer move from Lille.

Eddie Howe defends Sven Botman

Newcastle United defender Sven Botman. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)Newcastle United defender Sven Botman. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Newcastle United defender Sven Botman. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

“Everything gets blown out of all proportions,” Howe said when asked about Botman’s decision.

“Sven was keen to continue his learning and development here in terms of adjusting to the Premier League. He’s done that really well.

“Certainly from the two weeks he’s had with us, he’s trained excellently and I think it’s really benefitted him.

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“We were pleased to keep him because you have that control over what they’re doing when they’re here.”

A bedding-in process

Botman was left frustrated after Howe opted to leave him on the bench against AFC Bournemouth, with Fabian Schar and Dan Burn selected instead.

The former Ajax academy star has started four of United’s opening seven Premier League games.

Howe added: “I think he understands. We talked at length before he came here about our vision and plan for him.

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“It was never going to be a case of stepping in and playing every minute of every game when coming to a new league, being young and learning everything he needs to learn about the league and his teammates.

“It’s also about respecting the players that did so well for us at the back end of last season as well. You have to earn and fight your place and show you’re better than the other players.

“In saying that, I’ve been very pleased with how he’s adapted and developed. I’m really excited about what he’s going to become for us in the future.”

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