Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas has been gushing about Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka after he helped his side earn a 1-0 win against Watford at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.
Dubravka, 29, has arguably been one of Rafa Benitez’s best signings during his spell on Tyneside, and the Slovakia international was on top of his form once again this weekend as the Magpies picked up their first win in almost six months by brushing aside the Hornets.
Former Arsenal star Nicholas was thrilled by the goalkeeper’s display in the win, saying that he was crucial to keeping them in the game at certain points.
“He made three or four excellent saves, saves that you would expect him to make, one with his feet, two down to his left-hand side,” said Nicholas on Sky Sports’ Gillette Soccer Saturday this week.
“He keeps them in the game at times and that’s what good goalkeepers do.”
OPINION
Dubravka has been excellent for Newcastle. He was a cheap signing for the club in terms of what Premier League clubs usually spend on their number one goalkeeper, but he has put in performances worthy of a top-six side. It is getting to the point where Benitez should worry about being able to keep hold of him because the former Sparta Prague goalkeeper has been that good. In 11 appearances for the club this season, Dubravka has kept four clean sheets, which for a team down the bottom end of the table is very good going. Benitez is no chump and he knows that his side needs to be defensively sound if they want to avoid relegation this season. Yes, it is hard to watch but he can seriously expose his side if they were more attacking in games. Dubravka is key to those tactics and Newcastle fans should be so happy that they have him on board.