Dan Burn: Pundit ‘wowed’ by what he spotted from Newcastle debutant
Noel Whelan has insisted “brilliant” Newcastle debutant Dan Burn has already transformed Eddie Howe’s defence.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 29-year-old defender is “well up for the relegation fight” following his “massive” performance against Aston Villa.
Burn made his first Magpies start yesterday (13 February) as Newcastle kept just their third Premier League clean sheet of the season in a 1-0 win against Aston Villa.
As per Sky Sports, who named the centre-back man of the match, the former Brighton ace made three clearances and won possession four times during the clash.
Burn joined Newcastle on transfer deadline day last month in a deal worth a reported £13million.
Whelan claimed manager Eddie Howe will be “so impressed” after the 29-year-old’s maiden display.
“He was massive, wow,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“The defence has been their biggest problem. They can go forward, create chances and score goals no problem – but the defence in the past few seasons has been shambolic.
“Now they’ve got a completely different backline. Burn gives them that presence and that voice.
“I could see straight away the difference. He’s ready to step in straight away because of his time with Brighton, and I think Eddie Howe will be so impressed with him.
“He put in a great performance and he’s already organising that backline. He’s not scared to tell the other players what to do, and he’s dominant in the air. He’s well up for this relegation fight.”
Burn, born in Blyth, was released by Newcastle as a youngster.
The 6ft 7in defender can also play at left-back having made 46 appearances in the role for Brighton.
In other news, medical guru issues verdict on Callum Wilson not playing again for Newcastle this season.