Aaron Ramsdale or Nick Pope? NUFC debate
Newcastle United latest news: Eddie Howe has some big decisions to make when his side host Manchester City next weekend.
The visit of Manchester City next weekend means Eddie Howe has a number of big decisions to make to his starting XI. Dan Burn’s suspension enforces at least one change from the side that started their defeat against Brentford, whilst Howe could also look to shake-up an attacking line that have looked bereft of ideas and creativity in recent weeks.
Further back, does he also have a big call to make in goal? Nick Pope has been his first-choice throughout his time at St James’ Park, but the competition offered by Aaron Ramsdale may be something Howe is forced to consider.
With both Pope and Ramsdale fit, Howe has a big dilemma when it comes to who starts in goal. Does he stay with his tried and tested starter? Or does he decide to mix it up and bring in a goalkeeper who could transform the way they play out from the back?
Eddie Howe’s Nick Pope/Aaron Ramsdale debate - Mouth of the Tyne Podcast
That exact debate was put to Shields Gazette writer Dominic Scurr on the latest episode of the Mouth of the Tyne Podcast. Here’s what he had to say and why Ramsdale would be his pick to start against the Citizens:
“I think probably a criticism of Eddie Howe, certainly from supporters, is he tends to be too loyal. Not that there's necessarily anything wrong with showing loyalty to players, but since Nick Pope's come in, he actually didn't show loyalty to Martin Dubravka, he threw Nick Pope straight in.
“He's been the first choice keeper pretty much for the past three years since he's been at the club. So that's why I expect Nick Pope to stay until or unless he gets an injury, suspension or a major drop in form, I expect Nick Pope to stay in Newcastle's side.
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“But having seen Aaron Ramsdale, having seen him previously at Arsenal, even Southampton last season, although they had a horror season, Bournemouth, Sheffield United. Aaron Ramsdale, you saw it against Tottenham in the cup, even against Bradford, the previous game - he's that extra defender. He's a goalkeeper who can play football and that's so important.
“We saw it. I've talked about that nine-game winning run last season before, that coincided with Nick Pope coming out of the team, Martin Dubravka playing in the team, they had a goalkeeper who could kick a ball and play a bit of football.
“And look, Nick Pope is the best shot stopper at Newcastle United, he's probably one of the best shot stoppers Newcastle have ever had as a goalkeeper. I've put him up there with Shay Given, probably a bold claim, but he's of that level, he's such a big physical presence as well and he saves a lot of chances. But this season, on Sunday at Brentford, he's flapping it across at West Ham, he's letting two poor goals, poor, poor goals.
“And when he's not making every save or the saves you'd expect him to make, then more focus comes on to his distribution and he can throw a ball, we all know he can throw a ball, we saw that against Benfica. But when the kicking doesn't find a Newcastle player time and time again, it only puts them on the back foot and puts them under more pressure.
Aaron Ramsdale or Nick Pope? NUFC debate
“And things like that are ultimately a problem, which is why, for me, Aaron Ramsdale is the man that would benefit Newcastle moving forward if he were to come into the side. Because it could go a bit like last season where Martin Dubravka came in. I think Aaron Ramsdale is still going to save 90% of the shots Nick Pope saves. Yet that extra 10% is probably mitigated by, probably facing less shots, Newcastle under less pressure, because Ramsdale can pick out, ping a 60-yard pass and find a Jacob Murphy or an Anthony Gordon on the wing or Nick Woltemade for a flick on, things like that.
“I can probably count on one hand the amount of times Nick Pope's done that in the past 12 months. So for me, Aaron Ramsdale could be a solution in goal for me.
“Ultimately, Newcastle have two very good goalkeepers. But for me football's moved on in the last 20 years. You need a goalkeeper who can play football.”
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