Newcastle United announced their takeover by Public Investment Fund, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media in October and were sitting 19th in the Premier League table with the worst defensive record, so a centre-back was on their wishlist for when the January transfer window opened.
The Magpies paid £13m to sign Dan Burn from Brighton & Hove Albion and the 29-year-old has been a revelation at St James’ Park. Burn has made six appearances for Newcastle, winning five games and helping to keep two clean sheets, garnering him praise from Alan Shearer.
Burn has won 21/32 aerial duels, blocked 12 shots/passes/crosses, completed 83.5% of his short passes, made 35 clearances, gave away only one foul every 135 minutes, been dribbled past just twice and has averaged a tackle (8) or interception (8) every 34 minutes.
Shearer admits being pleasantly surprised by his form at Newcastle, saying on Premier League Productions (h/t HITC): “I think (Burn) has been absolutely fantastic. I looked at him at Brighton and I saw a good Premier League player, who is reliable.
“I have got to be honest. I didn’t realise how good he was, in terms of what he has brought to this Newcastle team, the leadership. Watch the way he’s looking around and trying to organise different players, then taking up his position to do his bit defensively.
“He has been a leader in that back four, ever since he has put that black and white shirt on.” Newcastle signed Burn on January 31 and named him as an unused substitute in February 8’s 3-1 win over Everton, but he’s started every game since.
The Magpies now find themselves 14th in the league table and nine points clear of the relegation zone with a game in hand, so Burn and co. have played their part in turning Newcastle’s fortunes around.
In other news, journalists praise ‘exceptional’ Chris Wood v Brighton & Hove Albion
