Callum Wilson has expressed his thoughts on Martin Dubravka, who is poised to start in goal for Newcastle United against Everton on Thursday night.
On Saturday, Newcastle suffered yet another terrible injury against Manchester United, this time to Nick Pope, who had been in excellent form prior to the game.
Wilson has now indicated on The Footballer’s Football Podcast that he has complete confidence in Dubravka to come into the lineup and perform just as well as Pope.
Dubravka has big shoes to fill
There are few better shot-stoppers in the Premier League than Nick Pope, and any side would miss a player of his caliber for an extended period of time.
against PSG Pope was Newcastle’s standout player, and he helped them come so close to winning all three points in a key game before a highly contentious last-minute penalty.
With the 31-year-old due to need shoulder surgery after dislocating it against Manchester United, Eddie Howe has confirmed Dubravka as Newcastle’s starting keeper against Everton.
Wilson, like Howe, believes Dubravka will put in a strong performance for Newcastle against the Toffees, despite any abuse he and his teammates may give the keeper in training.
Wilson stated on the podcast, “We batter the goalkeepers on a daily basis.” You’re laughing with them while conducting finishing drills. ‘Did you put your arms on today? Is there anyone on the internet? Wrists of poppadum!’
“But basically when push comes to shove they are all at the club for a reason. They are all there, professional, they work day in and day out for an opportunity to arise and now it arises, second goes to first and third goes to second. That’s how it works.
“Of course they can step in, is the answer to your question.”
Dubravka is good enough to start for Newcastle
Dubravka, as Wilson intimated in his podcast, is more than capable of starting in current Newcastle team, having previously proven to be a fantastic shot-stopper in nearly six years at the club.
A greater question would be if he has the confidence to take on this role after being named second choice when Pope arrived from Burnley last summer.
The £4m signing was irritated by Eddie Howe’s decision to leave him out of the team and consequently departed the club on loan to Manchester United, where he only made two cup appearances before returning in January.
Everton will be an interesting test for the 34-year-old, who must perform well or risk being replaced again in January if the club searches for a new goalkeeper.
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