Alan Shearer has expressed his ‘surprise’ at what Nick Pope has produced in Newcastle United colours this season following his summer transfer from Burnley.
The legendary striker has changed his mind about the 31-year-old, who he first thought ‘wasn’t great’, but now thinks has been ‘phenomenal’ for Eddie Howe’s side and their current push for Champions League football.
Following Burnley’s relegation last season, those in the St James’ Park boardroom wasted no time in putting £10 million (Sky Sports) down on the table for Nick Pope.
Even before a ball was kicked, it was a bargain of a transfer because of the small fee Newcastle had to pay for the experienced England star in this inflated money-crazy transfer market.
Well, Pope’s signing is only getting better by the week because, over the course of the season, he has helped the Magpies secure 13 clean sheets as they are on their way to the Champions League.
Shearer admitted that there have been a few iffy moments from the shot-stopper, but overall, he loves what he is seeing from the player, as he told Premier League Productions (07/05/23 at 3:55 pm).
“He has been magnificent,” said Shearer. “I think, at best, I have counted three mistakes from him this year. One was very costly for himself and for Newcastle, which was against Liverpool. Then one or two others.
“There was a question mark or maybe there was a question mark about the way teams want to play out from the back with the goalkeeper.
“He has made some crucial saves. Some top-class saves at such important times. He has surprised me. I was always told by people who knew him a lot better than I did what a really good goalkeeper he was. I used to sit and watch him from afar and think ‘yeah, okay, but I am not sure he is great’.
“What he has done for Newcastle has been phenomenal. He is really highly thought of. The fans love him. He is having a fantastic season and he has played a major part in everything that Newcastle have done.”
POPE PUSHING FOR ENGLAND’S NUMBER ONE SPOT
Just like at right-back, Gareth Southgate is blessed to have a stack of talent in the goalkeeping department.
Everton number one Jordan Pickford is currently the main guy for England and he has been for a number of years now.
He hasn’t put a foot wrong on the international stage, so whilst Pope and Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale are pushing behind him, it seems as though, come Euro 2024, it’s going to be Pickford donning the gloves.
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