Pope played a huge role in Newcastle's win over Benfica but there is an elephant in the room
Sean McCormick is a football writer covering Newcastle United for ChronicleLive. After starting his career covering North East sport, he has had a spell working as an editor on the Manchester Evening News. He also writes about darts and boxing. He joined us in 2016.
Newcastle United's Nick Pope is mobbed by teammates after he assisted Harvey Barnes against Benfica
Newcastle United's Nick Pope is mobbed by teammates after he assisted Harvey Barnes against Benfica
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It was the moment that put the cap on a huge Newcastle win and it was indicative of the standing Nick Pope holds within the Magpies' dressing room.
Pope's mammoth throw flew over the halfway line and evaded Benfica's entire outfield contingent. Harvey Barnes could not believe his luck as he latched on to the ball and fired beyond Anatoliy Trubin to put Newcastle 2-0 ahead and on the way to a stunning victory.
All of his United team-mates rushed back to congratulate Pope for his quick bit of thinking and excellent execution. St James' Park raised as one to salute their No 1. Eddie Howe could not hide his joy on the touchline as he celebrated with his backroom staff.
It could not have been a greater contrast to his reaction to Pope's decision making in the first half, however. With Bruno Guimaraes showing on the edge of the box for a short pass, Pope pumped the ball long and gave possession away.
Howe arched his back and waved his arms in the air in disappointment that an easy turnover of possession could have been avoided.
Just minutes earlier, his dalliance on the ball invited pressure from the Benfica frontline and ended up in the England international kicking the ball out for a corner.
Thankfully it didn't cost his team but for all the excellent goalkeeping qualities Pope possesses, there remains a giant elephant in the room about his ability on the ball.
The conundrum is Pope has largely been excellent this season. He currently shares the lead with Arsenal's David Raya for the Premier League's Golden Glove award and, time and again, he comes up with important saves other goalkeepers perhaps wouldn't be able to make.
He twice denied Benfica winger Dodi Lukebakio from scoring in the first half, the first from point blank range before a stunning save from an effort from distance.
His command of the box from crosses is among the best in the Premier League and his ability to make difficult saves look easy should not be understated.
When it comes to the fundamentals of being an excellent goalkeeper, Pope displays them all. But as the modern game evolves, his ability to play with his feet isn't up to standard.
Newcastle may never be able to square that circle. His distribution with his hands is second to none, though, and that showed out in great style against Benfica.
As long as he continues to keep the ball out of the back of the net, then Newcastle can ignore the elephant in the room. And that should always remain the priority for any goalkeeper.
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