Eddie Howe loves what Matt Targett and ‘especially’ Dan Burn have added to his Newcastle United since their respective transfers to Tyneside in January, via quotes by Chronicle Live.
The Toon boss stamped his mark on the St James’ Park ranks built by his predecessors Rafa Benitez and Steve Bruce last month. He paid £12m for Kieran Trippier, before spending £25m on Chris Wood, £33m on Bruno Guimaraes, £13m on Burn and got Targett in on loan.
Burn and Targett have fast secured key roles in the Magpies’ defence as they look to avoid relegation. Howe has started the former Brighton centre-half in Newcastle’s last two, while Aston Villa loanee Targett has opened both Premier League games available to him so far.
Howe ‘especially’ loves what Burn adds to his Newcastle defence
The winter additions have not needed long to impress their new head coach, either. Howe admires what both Burn and Targett have added to his Newcastle backline. But the Toon boss particularly likes what the former has brought to what was a leaky North East outfit.
“[They] have taken to what we’ve asked them to do excellently,” Howe enthused. “They’ve defended very well, which is their job, but they really have helped our team.
“Dan, especially, has used the ball very well. He’s been very composed, talks well [and] has leadership qualities.”
Only Norwich City (46) had conceded more Premier League games than Newcastle (44) this season before Burn’s debut. Yet Howe’s men shut out Aston Villa to win 1-0 before holding Champions League-chasing West Ham United to a 1-1 draw away from home last time out.
In the meantime, Norwich have shipped another seven, while Leeds United have allowed 13 goals. The Whites have conceded 10 in their last two games to now hold the worst top-flight record with 56. But the Elland Road side have played once more than the Magpies.
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