Huge Newcastle claim as pundit tips Magpies star to become Prem legend; reveals why Howe deserves ‘the most credit’
Jamie Redknapp has sung the praises of Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe and tipped one of his players to reach the Premier League hall of fame.
Newcastle made it four wins from their last five Premier League matches by beating Tottenham 2-1 away from home on Sunday. They took the lead at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when Callum Wilson stole from Hugo Lloris before finishing into an open net from 30 yards out.
The Tottenham goalkeeper complained to the referee about a foul in the build up, but his appeal fell on deaf ears and Wilson’s fourth goal of the season was given.
Miguel Almiron joined Wilson on the scoresheet shortly before half time with a brilliant solo goal. He cut out a Lloris pass and shrugged off Ryan Sessegnon before running at Clement Lenglet.
The Spurs defender was no match for him and Almiron opened his body up to finish past Lloris on his stronger left foot. It saw the winger continue his exceptional form.
Spurs did score in the second half when Harry Kane got the better of Kieran Trippier from a corner and headed in at the back post.
However, Antonio Conte’s side couldn’t mount a comeback and Newcastle picked up all three points, moving them into the top four.
Redknapp thinks Howe deserves ‘the most credit’ for transforming the existing crop of Newcastle players, including Almiron, Fabian Schar and Joelinton.
Jamie Redknapp lauds Eddie Howe and Newcastle recruitment
“Now they’ve got the right people in and they are flying because of it,” Redknapp said on Sky Sports (23/10, at 18:44). “They’re creating a brilliant environment, which comes from winning games and also the manager.
“But what Eddie Howe deserves the most credit for, is when you’re signing [Bruno] Guimaraes, you’ve got a great player on your hands. What he’s done with the likes of Joelinton.
“I thought they’d probably sell him, he was surplus to requirements. He has done so well.
“Look at what Almiron is doing this season. I just can’t believe he’s producing that kind of quality. Fabian Schar now looks like a very accomplished centre-back.
“That’s why [he] deserves the most credit. You can bring in loads of great players, that’s fine. But can you work with players, get the most out of them?
“All of a sudden they’ve got a lot of commodities at the club. These players weren’t good enough for Newcastle, now they look more than good enough. They look so strong.”
Exciting verdict on Sven Botman
Redknapp then took his praise to the next level by backing Botman to become one of the best central defenders the Prem has ever seen, alongside the likes of John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Matic.
“The boy Botman at the back, 22 years of age,” Redknapp said. “We’ve seen some good centre-backs in the Premier League – he’s got the capability to be as good as any of them. He’s a real leader of men. It’s great recruitment.”
Redknapp is right about Howe. Joelinton and Almiron were both labelled big-money flops before Howe moved to St James’ Park. Schar, meanwhile, had failed to establish himself as a reliable defender in Newcastle’s previous era.
Now though, those three players are proving to be integral to Newcastle’s rise. Almiron is their top scorer this season with six, Joelinton is a force of nature in midfield, while Schar is part of Howe’s first-choice defence.
Redknapp’s verdict on Botman is certainly ambitious. He would have to play at the top level for plenty of seasons before he could match the status of Terry or Ferdinand.
But as Redknapp mentions, Botman is only 22. Therefore, he has plenty of time to develop into an even better centre-back and potentially help Newcastle win trophies.
Newcastle spent £35million to sign Botman from Lille in the summer. And it could turn out to be a fantastic piece of business if the Dutchman reaches his full potential.
