Dúbravka was dealing with leaving Newcastle. He’s an extremely hard-working pro, explains his friend

He waited for a chance for over a year, last season he tried his luck on loan at Manchester United, now Martin Dúbravka is back. The Slovakian goalkeeper is a good friend of former goalkeeper Dominik Rodinger, who spoke of him as a great professional.

It was rather surprising when one of the first signings of Newcastle’s new owners was a goalkeeper. After all, the previous number one Martin Dúbravka was paid to be the mainstay of the club, which among other things was responsible for the club not being relegated back to the Championship.

Nick Pope was coming in as a star for Burnley, who were relegated at the end of the 2021/22 season. At the same time as a member of the England national team, which may have played a key role in the final. In the UK, they’re doubly keen on home-grown players.

And since joining the club, Pope has quickly become first choice. He didn’t let the Slovakian goalkeeper in goal, after all, there was no reason to. Last season Newcastle had the best defensive team in the Premier League for a long time, at least in terms of goals scored.

“He was looking forward to the chance and had been discussing for some time whether he should leave Newcastle or not. There were times when even he himself was told by the manager and the club’s management that he wanted to leave because it was bothering him, ” Dominik Rodinger said on Premier Club.

Dúbravka may have been broken by the bare fact that he did not get a single chance even now in the autumn, when Pope faced criticism. He was certainly not in ideal form, yet the coach insisted on fielding him. Dúbravka just sat.

“He is catching great games for the Slovak national team. If Manchester United, Newcastle, Sparta and Liberec had anything to say about him, he is an extremely hard-working pro. I firmly believe that he will convince Newcastle that he can be number one at this level,” Rodinger continued.

Dúbravka really shone on the national stage. Especially the matches against a strong Portugal were good, but he also signed for the qualification wins for the Euro. At Newcastle, however, this went unnoticed.

Now the Magpies management can no longer be embarrassed. Pope is injured and Dúbravka is suddenly in demand. Although his start has been less than ideal, his position should be unshakeable over the winter. Until Pope is fit.

Source: Premier Club