Martin Dubravka is confident he can ‘compete with the best’ in the Premier League after a debut to remember for Newcastle.
The Slovakia international was man of the match against Manchester United earlier this month, repelling everything the Red Devils could throw at him to register a first clean sheet for his new club and help United to claim a surprise 1-0 victory at St James’ Park.
Rafa Benitez threw down the gauntlet to his new goalkeeper by selecting him ahead of Karl Darlow, who had started the previous seven league and cup games, and repaid his manager’s faith with a stunning display.
And now the 27-year-old, who is expected to retain his place for the trip to Bournemouth on Saturday, is focusing on grasping another chance to show Benitez his debut wasn’t a one-off with a repeat performance at the Vitality Stadium.
“It was a big opportunity for me to come to this big club with great history and very good players,” The 29-year-old told the Shields Gazette.
“I was very happy and very satisfied that I could compete with the best players in the Premier League. Now I’m here and trying to get used to it.”
After such a memorable beginning to his Newcastle career, Dubravka has already stated his wish to turn his six-month loan from Sparta Prague into a permanent deal in the summer.
