With only two games of the season finished, many Newcastle fans, including the deluded idiots who thought Nick Pope might not be good enough to wear the shirt are now concluding, that we have a monster between our sticks!
Many supporters including myself, thought it would be a hard sell to the fans to push Martin Dubravka to one side for a keeper who despite his obvious talent, had been relegated with Burnley.
However, Nick Pope has had other ideas and eagerly set about making the No 1. shirt his own. Albeit he wasn’t troubled much in the opening game against Forest at St James’ Park, he had plenty to do this weekend at the Amex. He made a number of stunning and reactionary saves to keep the scores level and earned us a great away point.
Can Pope become a Toon Legend
Yes- he is a star in the making and Eglands No. 1
No- He has a long way to go to become a Pavel or Shay
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was stunned by Nick Pope’s performance against Brighton on Saturday. Graham Potter’s side peppered Pope with shots and found a way past him on two occasions. But in both instances, he was backed up by Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schar, who provided vital goal-line clearances.
After the game, Howe spoke to NUFC TV and was asked about Pope’s role in picking up an important point.
“I think the one that sticks in my head was Lallana’s header,” he said.
“What a save. I thought it was in. He’s capable of that and we’re going to need him this year.
“I think he’s gelled really well with the guys in the backline and early signs are good for him.”
Pope is definitely proving to be one of the bargains of the season thus far.
Fans have always adored their keepers as well as their famous number 9s, some of us long in the tooth, remember “Mick Mahoney, Super Goalie” Shay Given and of course, the dearly departed Pavel
Tell will tell if Pope reaches Legendary status like some I’ve mentioned but the early signs are certainly promising.
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