Former Newcastle striker Mick Quinn has raved about the impact of goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, describing the Slovakia international as a leader for the Magpies.
Dubravka joined the club on an initial loan from Sparta Prague in January and impressed massively before earning a £4million permanent switch in the summer.
The 29-year-old has really established himself as the club’s number one this season with some big performances, and Quinn has now highlighted the unusual impact that he has had on the squad.
In a column for the Chronicle, Quinn said: “Martin Dubravka is one of Newcastle United’s leaders, which is an unusual thing to say about a goalkeeper. He’s become integral to driving the team on since he came in midway through last season, and he continues to go from strength to strength.
“As soon as Dubravka came into the team in February, you could see he commanded his 18-yard box. That gives the defenders in front of him confidence. He seems happy to give the players in front of him a rollicking when they need it.
“It just shows you what Newcastle’s recruitment team are capable of, but you worry Mike Ashley will be expecting that every time.”
OPINION
This is some big praise from Quinn for Dubravka, who has admittedly been impressive for the Magpies ever since his initial loan from Sparta Prague in January. The 29-year-old stopper has looked at ease behind the Newcastle defence, and as pointed out, has not been afraid of imposing himself either. That is the sign of a good goalkeeper, and Dubravka most certainly is a top-level operator between the sticks. The calmness and solidity that he brings at the back cannot be underestimated, especially in the midst of form which has seen Newcastle fail to win any of their first ten games of the Premier League season. Over the course of the season Dubravka will single-handedly win Newcastle several points, and in such a tight battle at the bottom of the table, every point will be so valuable come May. Quinn is absolutely spot on in highlighting Dubravka’s impact, and long may it continue for the Magpies.