Journalist Liam Kennedy has criticised Sven Botman for his poor ball distribution in Newcastle United's recent draws with West Ham United and Bournemouth.

How has Botman played recently?

Newcastle still kept up their unbeaten streak, but were unimpressive as they drew with two sides fighting in the relegation battle, and Botman was singled out for his poor displays on the ball.

The Dutchman has been magnificent at the back for the Magpies this season as his side have recorded the most clean sheets in the league, but was below his best in both 1-1 draws.

In his performance against West Ham, he completed just 50% of his long balls, whilst he was dispossessed 13 times after recording an 85% pass accuracy in the Bournemouth game as per SofaScore.

Speaking on the NUFC Matters YouTube Channel ahead of Newcastle's match against Liverpool, (38.00), Kennedy claimed that although Botman was still defending well, his distribution of the ball was not at its usual high level.

"I think Sven Botman had his worst two games in a black and white shirt at West Ham and Bournemouth," he stated.

"I put a lot of that down to his distribution. He's still winning these physical battles, but his distribution has dropped off a cliff. Very poor in both games."

Is Botman to blame for current form?

Although these may be fair criticisms from Kennedy about his recent displays after consistent stellar performances since his arrival this summer, Newcastle's recent form, which has seen them draw three of their last five games, is a result of inconsistency upfront rather than in defence.

They managed just two goals in the three draws and failed to create more xG than West Ham or Bournemouth in those games.

With Joe Willock and Bruno Guimaraes now absent in midfield as a result of injuries and suspension, they have lost creativity in the middle of the park, and this is a more pressing concern than Botman's displays right now.