Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope made headlines on Tuesday night during their Champions League win over Benfica.
Pope recorded an assist for Harvey Barnes in Newcastle’s win against Benfica with a stunning 65-yard throw from his own penalty box. Barnes still had a lot to do but the assist from his goalkeeper was one of the major talking points from the game.
Having already produced a number of key saves, it was brilliant to see from Pope. The goalkeeper recently extended his stay on Tyneside until 2027 and remains Eddie Howe’s first choice despite the arrival of Aaron Ramsdale.
Pope’s incredible throw has been celebrated online. Indeed, it was that impressive that it attracted the interest of a Premier League legend in Petr Cech.
Nick Pope clenches his fist in celebration for Newcastle United.
Photo by Trevor Wilkinson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Petr Cech sends message to Nick Pope after incredible Newcastle United assist
On Wednesday, Pope took to social media platform Instagram.
He captioned a post which included footage of his assist: “Hail Mary.”
In the NFL, the term ‘Hail Mary’ is used to describe a very long pass and that has little chance of being completed.
Cech was among a few goalkeepers – both past and present – to respond. The Chelsea legend wrote: “Well done.”
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Former Toon custodian Shay Given wrote: “Touchdown”
Loris Karius, who was an understudy for Pope between 2022 and 2024, responded with a few fire emojis.
Eddie Howe reveals Nick Pope plan at Newcastle United after criticism
There’s little doubt that Pope doesn’t always look too comfortable with the ball at his feet. Though undoubtedly a brilliant shot-stopper, even his biggest supporter would struggle to describe him as a ball-playing goalkeeper.
Still, Eddie Howe has a plan for that. The 33-year-old may have been criticised for his distribution skills but it’s something that the Newcastle United coaching staff are working on.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, however, it did not focus in on that particular throw.
“It’s a thing of beauty,” said the Newcastle United manager.
“We needed that second goal and we’ve been working on, not necessarily that throw with Nick, but certain parts of his distribution to make us more efficient.
“Distribution of goalkeepers these days is so important, but that was sort of a spontaneous moment and Harvey finished it brilliantly, so delighted for both players.”
Pope may not be perfect, but the positives almost certainly outweigh the negatives.