Alan Shearer has named four Newcastle players in his Premier League team of the season so far, with Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn all selected.
With just 12 goals conceded in 21 games, it’s no surprise to see that four of the back five positions have been filled with players from the best defence in the entire league.
Sven Botman, who has been unbelievable for us since signing, may feel hard done by for not being included, with Arsenal’s William Saliba beating the Dutchman to a spot at the back.
Although not a left-back by trade, Burn has made that position ‘his own’, as described by Shearer, and the character and leadership of both him and Trippier have played a key role.
For a player who was often left out under Steve Bruce, Schar has had one of the comebacks of the season and deserves his spot, while Nick Pope has been a revelation, picking up 16 clean sheets in all competitions.
Here’s Shearer’s team in full (via The Athletic), featuring the likes of Kane, Haaland, Odegaard and Casemiro, followed by comments on his four Newcastle picks:
“Newcastle have the tightest defence in the Premier League. Nick Pope has kept 10 clean sheets in a row in all competitions, so has to be in goal. Kieran Trippier contributes hugely at both ends of the pitch.
“Left-back isn’t Dan Burn’s preferred position, but he’s made it his own and deserves to be in there. It seems unfair to leave out their team-mate Sven Botman, but Saliba has been superb.”
