‘He has real ability’: Eddie Howe blown away by 22-year-old Newcastle player in pre-season

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Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has praised summer signing Sven Botman for his efforts in pre-season so far.

The Magpies had been pursuing the 22-year-old for a long time and finally got a deal over the line in July.

Newcastle saw off AC Milan to land Botman from Lille on a deal which could reach £34.5million with add-ons.

On Friday, the Netherlands Under-21 international finally made his debut in the black-and-white stripes.

Botman began the 1860 Munich game on the bench as Howe started with Dan Burn and Jamaal Lascelles.

After a goalless first half, Lascelles made way for Botman, who quickly imposed himself on the game.

As well as impressing at the back, Botman also started the attack which led to Joe Willock’s opener.

Botman was calm, classy, solid and looked right at home in the Magpies defence.

Speaking after the game, Howe sung his new player’s praises.

“I was really pleased to get the deal done,” the Daily Mail quotes the Newcastle boss as saying.

“It’s no secret we’ve been chasing him for a long time.

“He has real ability, I think you saw that today. He’s a presence. He’s a really good size.

“His technical ability has been evident from day one in pre-season.

“His ability to play not just long passes, but short passes. He’s very, very composed.

“I think he’s settled in very well to the group. He’s a very likeable person, very laid back and calm.

“I’ve been very pleased with his impact on the group in a short period of time.”