Jamie Carragher has heaped praise on Martin Dubravka this week, believing no other Premier League goalkeeper has had a bigger influence on their team this season.
Speaking on Sky Sports, The former Liverpool centre-back predicts we’d have been embroiled in a serious fight for survival without the Slovakian shot-stopper – and I think most on Tyneside would agree!
This comes during a piece on his Premier League team of the season so far, which sees Sheffield Utd star Dean Henderson pip Dubravka to a place in his XI.
Here’s what the pundit has had to say about our man between the sticks:
“I think the Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is probably as big of an influence on their team as any goalkeeper.
“I’m not saying he’s the second or third best goalkeeper in the Premier League, but I think in terms of where you see Newcastle in the table, I think a lot of that is to do with the goalkeeper.
“He’s right up near the top of the list and he plays a big role in the fact Newcastle aren’t embroiled in a relegation fight.”
Carragher’s spot on here. It’s both a relief and a concern to think just where we could’ve been without his heroics.
Not only has he made 117 saves – more than any other top flight goalkeeper by some distance – he’s commanded his box, provided a calming influence and always been quick off his line.
There’s been VERY few games we’ve won by more than one goal and plenty draws where we could’ve lost, so his key saves in crucial moments really have won us a huge number of points this season.
Shay Given was an outstanding shot stopper, but I believe there’s an argument to save Dubravka is the best all-round goalkeeper we’ve ever had?
