Aaron Ramsdale is pushing Nick Pope for a starting place against Leeds
Newcastle United goalkeepers Aaron Ramsdale (left) and Nick Pope
Newcastle United goalkeepers Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Image)
If Newcastle United face a whole host of selection problems across the pitch heading into this weekend’s clash at Leeds United then there’s no denying where Eddie Howe’s side is at its strongest.
A midfield potentially decimated by Monday night’s physically draining 3-2 defeat to Liverpool requires some serious patching up ahead of Saturday night’s Elland Road showdown.
And wantaway forward Alexander Isak’s decision to strike as he seeks to force a move to Liverpool — coupled with Anthony Gordon’s suspension — leaves the Magpies desperately short of firepower.
But it’s not all bad news for a Newcastle side seeking its first win of the season.
Howe boasts an embarrassment of riches between the sticks as England internationals Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale battle it out to become United’s undisputed No 1.
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And rumours have been swirling around the training ground this week that former Southampton, Arsenal and Sheffield United shot-stopper Ramsdale could usurp his rival at Leeds.
Pope had little to do against Liverpool on Monday but faced criticism in some quarters for failing to react to Ryan Gravenberch’s first-half opener.
For some, conceding that goal was the final straw - with Ramsdale supporters pleading with Howe to hand the loan signing a first competitive start for the Magpies.
But what separates two of England’s most experienced keepers? And how do their Premier League stats really match up?
Seriös Group’s Football Analysts have been crunching the numbers all week — pulling information from Opta into data framework Seriös ONE to determine where Pope and Ramsdale really rank.
And the results reveal one clear winner . . .
Pope often finds himself under the microscope when it comes to distribution with his feet but the stats stack up well.
The 33-year-old boasts a superior overall pass accuracy (65%) and chipped pass accuracy (72%) compared to Ramsdale. But Pope could do better with his longer passes — the ex-Burnley man only finds a team-mate with 28% of his long balls compared to his rival’s 34% success rate.
Elsewhere United’s current number one fully justifies his status based on last season’s key metrics.
Pope kept five more clean sheets than Ramsdale, boasted a superior save percentage, claimed more successful high balls and was trusted by his back four to sweep up almost four times as many defensive situations.
Nick Pope vs Aaron Ramsdale - Newcastle United goalkeepers assessed
Nick Pope vs Aaron Ramsdale - Newcastle goalkeepers assessed
Ramsdale, of course, was part of a struggling Saints’ side that ultimately dropped down to the Championship at the end of a torrid campaign in the top flight.
And Pope had the benefit of playing behind a settled back four with bags of Premier League experience.
Perhaps it’s no wonder that Ramsdale’s numbers aren’t quite as impressive. But supporters of the Stoke-born stopper argue his stats are all the more remarkable given he was the last line of defence in a struggling Southampton team.
All eyes will be on the Toon’s starting XI come 4.15pm on Saturday. And if the goalkeeping position is the least of Howe’s worries then it’s still one of the biggest calls of the weekend for Newcastle’s boss.