Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle has launched a staunch defence of Sven Botman, insisting the club should consider themselves "lucky" to have the Dutch defender on their books.
Botman has made a mixed start to the new season, with some shaky moments in a back four that has conceded nine Premier League goals. He now faces a battle for his place, with 6ft 7in defender Dan Burn back from injury and pushing for a spot in the defensive line against Coventry City when the Premier League returns next week.
Jaissle's full backing
Sticking with Botman or benching the former Ajax defender will be one of the biggest calls so far in Jaissle's time in charge. But as Burn and Botman go head to head, Jaissle said: "I'm fully, fully, convinced about Sven's performances and about Sven as a player as well.
"Any player in a season can struggle in a game at times, they are human beings. Also they are a young. Sven is a big player; he's still a player of huge potential. I am clear his past injuries do not affect him at all. He's fit. He fights for his team."
Jaissle also feels that Botman's ability to fight like a lion in his defence makes him stand out more than the average Premier League defender. Jaissle said: "He's - how you say in English - a lion He's a huge cat. We're lucky to have him."
Mixed start and recovery
Botman recovered from a pre-season from hell with a series of errors in games against Gateshead, Bristol City and Valencia before retaining his spot for the start of the campaign. He was aided by Burn's ankle injury, which kept him in the side, but has since delivered some steady displays.
His uncertainty returned in the 4-1 defeat against Leeds United at Elland Road, where he was bullied by Dominic Calvert-Lewin. However, he recovered to battle well against Hull, leaving Jaissle with a massive call to make in the heart of his defence as competitive action resumes.
