Alan Shearer has revealed that Newcastle keeper Nick Pope has ‘surprised’ him this season after putting in some ‘phenomenal’ performances for Eddie Howe’s side.
Our former No 9 was unsure about the signing at first, admitting he ‘wasn’t sure’ just how good Pope was following his time at Burnley, but is happy to have been proved wrong by our 6ft 6′ stopper.
The Toon legend can only remember ‘three mistakes’ he’s made all season, believing the big man has been a ‘major’ part of our top-four push that’s seen us boast the best defence in the Premier League.
Getting a top quality goalkeeper for around £10m was a seriously underrated bit of business by the club, proving once again that relegated gems can be well worth investing in if the right players become available.
Here’s what Shearer told Premier League productions when asked about Pope’s first season at SJP:
“He has been magnificent. 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.”
