Martin Dubravka was in excellent form for Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.
Newcastle United midfielder Mo Diame has told the Evening Chronicle that new signing Martin Dubravka is “brilliant” following his heroics against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
Diame, who is beginning to show his best form at St. James’ Park, was also excellent against Jose Mourinho’s side as he and Jonjo Shelvey bossed the midfield during the Toon’s 1-0 win.
But it was the heroics of Slovakia international Dubravka that kept United at bay as he produced marvellous saves to deny the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial, replacing 27-year-old Karl Darlow in goal.
In what was the 29-year-old’s debut between the sticks, Diame heaped praise on him following his flawless performance as the Toon moved up to 13th place and two points above the Premier League relegation zone.
“(He has been) very good. He was brilliant,” Diame said when asked about January recruit Dubravka. “He showed why Newcastle wanted to bring him here.
“It gives us a lot of confidence. This was three points not a lot of people were expecting us to take. I think everyone involved with this win needs to be happy now, get some rest and come back strong for Bournemouth.”
Dubravka was one of three January signings made by Rafa Benitez, luring the goalkeeper on loan from Slavia Prague along with Chelsea’s Kenedy and Leicester City’s Islam Slimani.
Now, the Chronicle claim in another report that Newcastle can snap Dubravka up for the bargain price of just £3.5million if they do indeed look to complete a permanent deal for the stopper at the end of his loan deal.
He is expected to start against Bournemouth on February 24 at the Vitality Stadium, as Newcastle are not in action this week following their 3-0 loss to Chelsea in the FA Cup.
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