Sven Botman is close to playing some of his best football again at Newcastle United after signing a new deal
Malick Thiaw of Newcastle United celebrates scoring with Sven Botman and Anthony Elanga
Malick Thiaw of Newcastle United celebrates scoring with Sven Botman and Anthony Elanga(Image: Getty Images)
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Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe feels that Sven Botman will only go from strength to strength after having doubts over future eased by the powers that be.
And Howe dropped a hint that other stars could benefit from getting an update on where they stand contract wise. Botman had been linked with Chelsea and Liverpool but emerged as the big ticket January story at St James' Park when posing with sporting director Ross Wilson and CEO David Hopkinson as the ink dried on a his new deal.
Howe will watch on to see if Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schar are also afforded extensions with the pair leaving the club in the summer as things stand with their current deals close to an end.
When asked if Botman's performances were a reflection on signing a new deal, Howe said: “It would certainly help. For any player, if you have your future settled and you're not worrying about contract length or anything to do with off the pitch and you know you're here, then you've got to be all in.
"I think Sven's always been someone that has been fully committed. I've never seen a day when he's been distracted. But just when you have certainty over your future, I think it can certainly give you a feeling of contentment.
"And then you focus on what's really important, which is your performance and everything that goes into that. Sven's been really good in recent weeks. I think we have seen a return to his very best levels.
"He's such an important figure for us. His use of the ball is so good. His defensive mentality against Tottenham again was outstanding.
"He defended his goal with Malick (Thiaw) and Dan (Burn) and Kieran (Trippier) superbly. So it was a great performance and we hope it is the first of many for him."
Botman sat out of the clash at Villa with Howe "managing minutes" of certain squad members. Should injured Schar leave now it would bring the curtain down on a Toon career that started in 2019, while Trippier was the first post-takeover signing three years later.
It remains to be seen whether Joelinton joins the squad after his groin injury in the next two games.
Howe could see the trip to Baku to face Qarabag as the ideal chance for the player to enjoy some quality time with his team-mates after almost a month out.
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