Pundit in awe of ‘incredible’ Newcastle United development ‘no one is talking about’
The “fantastic” defensive unit Eddie Howe has formed at Newcastle United is not getting the credit it deserves.
That’s according to former Hibernian striker Tam McManus, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Magpies’ backline.
Newcastle United currently boast the Premier League’s meanest defence, only conceding 10 goals all season.
They are also tied for clean sheets with Manchester City with both sides registering six.
A back five of Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman and Dan Burn have started the Magpies’ last six Premier League games.
McManus insists the group of players and Howe deserve more credit.
“I was really impressed with that defensive unit against Tottenham,” McManus told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild.
“I watched the full game and I thought they were really solid at the back, especially Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn.
“They just look so big and strong and like they aren’t going to concede any goals. Nick Pope hasn’t faced a shot in his last two home games now, it’s incredible.
“It’s fantastic, the whole team is working hard from front to back but it starts with the defence. People criticised Howe when he came in, they said he couldn’t organise a defence, how wrong they were.
“No one is talking about it. The defence can define a team because if you can keep clean sheets you will avoid defeat even if your strikers aren’t switched on.
“That’s big for any team.”
Newcastle currently sit fourth in the Premier League after 13 games.
They are next in action against Southampton on Sunday (6 November).
In other news, a pundit expects Newcastle United to open Miguel Almiron contract talks imminently after Eddie Howe reveal.