BBC pundit says Newcastle are really missing £30m player at the moment

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Newcastle United have had a decent start to the season, but they have largely flattered to deceive.

The Magpies have picked up 10 points from their five matches so far, but they haven’t been great value in any of these matches.

Indeed, Newcastle have scraped through in their games against Tottenham and Southampton, while their late comeback against Wolves was somewhat unconvincing as well.

Speaking on the BBC Planet Premier League Podcast, Nedum Onuoha has been discussing Newcastle’s slow start to the season, and he’s of the opinion that the Magpies are really missing Sven Botman at centre-back.

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Newcastle are missing Sven Botman

Onuoha spoke about how Newcastle miss their star £35m defender.

“They’re really missing Botman a lot aren’t they?” Onuoha was asked.

“They sure are, Dan Burn has gone into that centre-back position and everyone is adamant that is his position because he’s nine foot tall or whatever he is. You can’t ignore results, but the more you watch you have to question the means and the process,’ Onuoha said.

“Newcastle haven’t been punished, but with Schar being out that affected them as well. Botman and Schar together at their best were the main two.”

Newcastle’s defence has been decimated

Newcastle haven’t had the best of starts this season in terms of performances, but that’s because of their defensive issues.

Eddie Howe has largely been without his two first-choice centre-backs this season, and that is going to affect how you play.

Yes, Newcastle’s defensive record is decent, but Howe’s centre-backs do so much more than just keep the ball out of the net.

Botman and Schar are so important in how this team builds their attacks, and it’s to be expected that Newcastle are a different team without this pairing.

It’s not a surprise to see Newcastle struggling to play at their best without players as important as Botman and Schar.