Eddie Howe has praised a current member of the Newcastle United squad ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe believes one of his players ranks amongst the best in the Premier League.

The Magpies have endured a season of mixed fortunes as their inability to produce consistent performances and results has left them outside of the Champions League places. However, progress has been made into the fourth round of the FA Cup and, despite falling to a 2-0 defeat in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final with Manchester City, Howe’s men have reached the latter stages of the competition for the third time in four seasons.

Wednesday night’s home clash with PSV Eindhoven will also offer an opportunity for further progress in the Champions League and with it could come a piece of club history as Howe’s side look to take Newcastle into the knockout stages of UEFA’s elite club competition for the first time.

With a number of defenders still recovering from injuries, Howe will partner summer signing Malick Thiaw with Sven Botman at the heart of his back four - and the Magpies boss has delivered a glowing assessment of the latter just a week after he committed his future to Newcastle. After joining the Magpies from Lille during the summer of 2022, Botman has shown his unquestionable quality - although his impact has been hampered by a number of injuries. However, Howe has revealed just how highly he rates the Dutch centre-back and described Botman’s new contract as ‘a vital signing for us’.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with PSV, the Magpies boss told TNT Sports: “He’s been such a big presence in our backline when he’s been fit and of course we’ve missed him for a long period of time. For me, when he is fit, he’s one of the best defenders in the Premier League, he’s a towering presence, very good with the ball and a great lad as well - so it’s a vital signing for us.”

What did Sven Botman say about his new Newcastle United contract?

Water drops from the face of Sven Botman of Newcastle during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Newcastle United and AFC Bournemouth on January 10, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images

placeholder image — Water drops from the face of Sven Botman of Newcastle during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Newcastle United and AFC Bournemouth on January 10, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images

He told the club website: “It’s a special occasion. It’s the perfect timing and perfect day for me. Obviously, for a few reasons, I am really happy here, I’m here for three and a half years now. When I started, it felt like I was becoming a mature guy and now I feel the club have given so much and I am growing as a person and a player. I feel like I have so much more to give and that’s why, for the long-term, both parties are very happy with this decision and I am really looking forward to what is coming here.

“My first season was more than I was thinking of and after that, I had a difficult time with my knee injury and that’s why I have the feeling I have something to give to this club and definitely want to achieve more than we have done. I know we have won a cup but this club has so much more potential and I definitely want to be part of that.”

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