Why Sven Botman could become Newcastle United’s own Vincent Kompany

Their pursuit of Botman started in January, although the scouting and groundwork of a deal likely began well before that. But Lille’s Champions League participation and Newcastle’s lowly Premier League position meant that a move for the Dutchman was impossible at the beginning of the year.

They briefly turned their attention towards Sevilla defender Diego Carlos - but found the same problem in trying to tempt him to the north east. Once Dan Burn was brought in and AC Milan’s interest in Botman came to light, Newcastle could have been forgiven for moving onto other targets.

However, once summer rolled around, they held their nerve, refused to pay over the odds and eventually were able to get the 22-year-old signed up. Botman always appeared to be Newcastle’s number one target but interest across the continent meant that even if Aston Villa were able to snap-up Carlos, Newcastle’s pursuit of Botman always seemed a tougher ask.

But they eventually got the deal over the line and just 12 games later, £35million seems like a steal. Alongside Fabian Schar, Botman has been a rock at the back and has never tasted defeat as a Magpies player.

His start to life at St James’s Park has been nothing short of superb and it has fans salivating about what is to come. Comparisons between Botman and the impact Vincent Kompany made at Manchester City have already been drawn.

Sure, that is a huge expectation to place on his shoulders, however, it’s not an underserved one. Kompany signed for City in 2008, just over a week before the takeover of the club.

The Belgian left City 11 years later as club captain, having won everything in the domestic game and became a true City icon. As an all-round defender, Kompany had it all - and the early signs suggest Botman does too.

Whether it’s being good in a tackle, being able to win headers or being calm in possession, Botman has demonstrated the all-round skills needed to be not just a competent Premier League defender, but one of the very best outside the top-six. And when you combine all this with the fact he is just 22-years-old, that makes for one bright future in the game.

Of course, just because Manchester City had a Vincent Kompany-style figure as they grew in the footballing world doesn’t mean Newcastle need to have a similar one, however, it would help the club bridge between seasons as they progress in the game and help keep a level of consistency whilst the whole club changes. Botman seems to possess all the characteristics needed to be that figure.

Kieran Trippier is very clearly the leader right now. Alongside players like Jamaal Lascelles, Dan Burn and Callum Wilson, this trio are part of the ‘leadership group’ at the club and are relied on by Eddie Howe to lead the team on the pitch and behind the scenes. But, in five years time, it’s not very likely that any of them will still be first-team regulars, this is where someone like Botman may be required to fill the void.