The 30-year-old has suffered a few mistakes in recent weeks but a recent local development should hopefully boost his confidence.
With a lengthy gap of time between Newcastle United’s Premier League draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers and the upcoming clash with Huddersfield Town, there may have possibly been a little more attention given to the Martin Dubravka incident for Wolves’ equaliser than there may otherwise have been.
Several pundits and other football figures have weighed in with their thoughts on the Slovakian’s role in the goal, from former Magpies aces Alan Shearer and Jermaine Jenas to Wolves goalkeeping legend Carl Ikeme.
However, what cannot be argued is that Dubravka has been great for Newcastle throughout his time at St James’ Park – the 30-year-old joined from Sparta Prague, initially on loan, in January last year, and went on to play a huge role as the Magpies climbed the Premier League table to finish 10th in the table.
This term, meanwhile, he has made 26 appearances, all in the Premier League, with seven clean sheets (Transfermarkt), but there have been questions asked of him following the Molineux incident as well as mistakes against Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
However, Dubravka can take confidence in his efforts last year being recognised with the North East Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year for 2018, as reported by Sky Sports News.
After being notified of the accolade, the Slovakia international told the outlet that he “couldn’t believe it” and felt honoured, but his acknowledgement that “it is the first year” suggests he isn’t resting on his laurels.
After a bad patch, this award comes at the best possible time for Dubravka, and were he to make the most of this confidence booster and reminder of his abilities to kick on against the Terriers and beyond, rediscovering his focus and form, he could have a big say in Rafael Benitez’s side avoiding the drop.
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