Sven Botman impresses Eddie Howe as Newcastle United manager drops hint on defensive options

Eddie Howe has suggested that Sven Botman is capable of working with any of his fellow centre-backs at Newcastle United. Botman partnered another left-footer in Dan Burn in the 3-0 win over 1860 Munich and his arrival does not necessarily mean he will either side of Jamaal Lascelles or Fabian Schar as most fans expect.

Botman's debut saw the Dutch Under-21 international bring quality and class to the field as he strolled through the afternoon. Speaking about Botman's debut, Howe said: "I'm really pleased to get the deal done, we were chasing for a long time. His ability, I think you saw that today, his presence and size is there.

"His technical ability has been there since day one in pre-season and the ability to play short and long passes is there. He's very composed and he's settled in perfectly, he is very laid back and calm and has settled into the group.

"I have been really pleased with his impact on the group in a short period of time. He can be very pleased with today."

When asked how Botman was settling down after his £34million move from Lille, Howe added: "He is quiet but he's still getting to know the players and us. He's quiet in a professional way.

"And he's focused on his work - he asks the right questions and wants to learn. He is a very impressive individual."

Howe also explained why captain Lascelles went off after the first half, adding: "We weren't planning on making that change, Jamaal just got kicked. So it was a decision we made late on.

"I do feel with Sven he is very comfortable with both feet and uses his right foot lot. I do not see it as two left-footers, he is very comfortable."