Jamie Carragher slated Sven Botman for his error for Newcastle United in the build-up to Emmanuel Dennis’ opener in their eventual 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest.
The £31.8 million (The Athletic) centre-back played a calamitous back pass, which was anticipated by the former Watford forward who dinked the ball into the back of the net.
While Alexander Isak saved his blushes with a well-taken brace against Nottingham Forest, Jamie Carragher had no choice but to criticise Newcastle colossus Sven Botman.
Carragher condemns Newcastle ace Botman vs Forest
The Paris Saint-Germain-linked central defender has been excellent for Eddie Howe’s side since his arrival, with Alan Shearer and Mehrdad Ghodoussi all waxing lyrical about him.
But as Sven Botman made a rare error in a Newcastle shirt against Nottingham Forest, Jamie Carragher had no choice but to call him out on it.
“You have to give credit to [Emmanuel] Dennis not just for anticipating but there is a lot to do for the finish, which is wonderful. [Sven] Botman never looks, checks his shoulder or swivels his head.”
“He makes the first mistake and then he is under pressure and panicking. I don’t know why he doesn’t run straight to Dennis, he runs past Dennis. Go and take the ball off him”, he said on Sky Sports.
Happens to the best of us
Sure, there is no disagreeing with Jamie Carragher, especially as the mistake made by Sven Botman could have cost Newcastle in their top four charge against Nottingham Forest.
But perspective is key and reactionary narratives should be avoided when analysing the Dutch international’s season, as he has a claim for being the most in-form centre-half in the Premier League.
At just 23 years of age, Botman is likely to only improve with time and eek out these minute flaws in his game to eventually be classed as a world-class defender.
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