talkSPORT presenter Laura Woods has shared her praise for Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope and his impact in the team.
The Tyneside club have seen numerous players make moves to St. James’ Park since the previous summer transfer window.
With the Magpies currently in fifth place in the Premier League and having reached the Carabao Cup final, one of their prominent players that is a fairly new addition to the squad has been on the receiving end of some significant praise.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Woods had this to say about Pope and why he his her choice for being the best signing of the season so far.
She said: “I think that defence, in general, at Newcastle is amazing but I think what Nick Pope has brought to that team has been such a steadying, confidence-building effect on the team from that point up the pitch.
“I think he’s been marvellous.”
Since joining Howe’s side from Burnley back in June for £10m, the Englishman has made 28 appearances for Newcastle across all competitions, conceding 16 goals and keeping 16 clean sheets.
Has Nick Pope been Newcastle's best summer signing?
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Across his 23 Premier League appearances, the £60k-per-week shot-stopper has faced 69 shots on target, saving 54 of them, leaving him with a save percentage of 79.7%, the highest in the league.
In addition to that, Pope has made more defensive actions outside his penalty area (52) than any other goalkeeper in the division.
Unfortunately, his latest attempt at pulling off a defensive action outside his penalty area saw him get sent off in Newcastle’s 2-0 defeat against Liverpool, which ultimately led to him being suspended for the recent cup final at Wembley.
Regardless of that, it’s clear that former Burnley star has been a very important player for Newcastle and rightfully earned this praise from Woods as well as being in the conversation for the best signing of the season.