At the beginning of the summer, all signs pointed to Nick Pope and James Trafford being the big battle between the sticks as to who would be Newcastle United’s No.1 next season.
Of course, plans have changed, and Aaron Ramsdale’s arrival on loan from Southampton, alongside Martin Dubravka’s departure to Burnley, provides an interesting new dynamic to our stacked goalkeeper situation.
Ramsdale has already expressed his excitement over what he has said is going to be a “great, exciting year for the football club”, getting to play alongside former England World Cup teammate Pope.
And now the 33-year-old has commented on the intense goalkeeper battle ahead of the duo next season, and seems to be a bit more reserved about the season ahead compared to Ramsdale.
Speaking to The Chronicle, Pope has praised the club for signing Ramsdale as both a welcome improvement to the squad, as well as a positive character: two hallmarks of a classic Eddie Howe signing.
“I know Aaron from England, he is a good lad and a good keeper. He is coming in to improve the squad. He is a good character, and the last few years, that is what we have been built on, that is our squad. So we welcome him in like we do with all good players. He will get a good initiation.”
However, Pope has dismissed any idea that Ramsdale has joined the club to usurp him as Howe’s No.1 choice “Let’s hope not!”
“With goalkeepers, there’s always one who plays and one who doesn’t. I am just looking forward to working with Aaron again.”
When Nick Pope arrived on Tyneside three years ago, he practically waltzed into the starting goalkeeper slot ahead of then-incumbent Dubravka. And even when he was injured earlier last season, he was inserted right into the starting spot upon his recovery, despite Dubravka’s excellent form deputising for him.
So when it comes to being a certified favourite of Eddie Howe, Nick Pope is certainly on the list. However, could he too suffer the same fate of Dubravka with another Howe favourite coming in the form of Ramsdale?
Ramsdale was impressive in the 2-2 pre-season draw against Espanyol, notably saving a penalty in the first half. And for an intense game against a more-fancied Aston Villa side on the opening day, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Howe want swift counters to be part of his strategy, something which he would surely go to Ramsdale for.
However, Pope’s a big game performer. And Howe is notoriously robust when it comes to making changes to his starting XI and overall squad. It would be an even bigger surprise if Pope doesn’t start at Villa Park on August 16th.