Another problem for the Slovak national team. Dúbravka will probably be the number two

Newcastle brought in their first summer signing on Thursday, with goalkeeper Nick Pope arriving from Burnley. Slovakian international Martin Dúbravka is therefore likely to become a number two, which will add more fuel to the already heavily fuelled fire in the national team.

Dúbravka was brought in by Newcastle in the winter transfer window of the 2017/18 season and he immediately became number one. His excellent performances helped lead to wins over Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea and most importantly a comfortable save.

Since then, he has been the unshakable goalkeeper of choice for all the coaches who have taken turns on the Newcastle bench. Only last year, after returning from injury, did he back up Karl Darlow, who was on a roll and statistically one of the best in the league.

But in February Darlow started to make mistakes and Dúbravka returned between the three sticks. The number one position has gone, but with the transfer of Pop from Burnley, a lot can change. Several factors are playing into the hands of the new signing.

First and foremost, he is English, which plays a big role for managers in the Premier League. Domestic players are preferred over legionnaires, plus Pope is not just any goalkeeper, he is part of the national team’s shortlist.

Another point, Dúbravka will be 34 years old in January. While age is not that important for goalkeepers, Pope is three years younger, which is a huge advantage given his qualities.

The purchase of Pope is not at all suited to the Slovak national team, which is going through one of the worst periods in its history. Marek Rodak may have played a full season at Fulham, but after promotion to the Premier League, the management is looking for a new number one, so even the second Slovakian goalkeeper may just be polishing the bench.

Source: Newcastle United