Quantcast
Blogs

Benitez responds to Juventus-Dubravka interest

|
Image for Benitez responds to Juventus-Dubravka interest

Rafa Benitez has admitted that Juventus’ interest in Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is not a surprise.

The Chronicle has reported that Arsenal and European giants Juve have watched the Slovakia international this season, even though he only joined the Magpies on a permanent deal last summer.

Although there have been a few mistakes made in recent performances, Dubravka, on the whole, has been a superb signing for Newcastle, and Benitez can see why the 30-year-old would be attracting attention from the likes of Juventus.

When asked if the interest is a surprise, Benitez told the Chronicle: “No, because he’s a good keeper and somebody you can trust.

“Obviously they (Juventus) can talk about him but any team could see him as a good keeper.

“The other day he made a mistake but we are talking about one year here and he’s not made too many mistakes.

“He has given us a lot of points with his saves.

“Everybody can see Martin is a good goalkeeper.”

OPINION

Dubravka has been brilliant for Newcastle ever since they signed him on that original loan deal in January 2018. It is a rare success for the Magpies to pluck a relatively unknown player from European football who is more than good enough for the Premier League, which is perhaps why teams like Juventus and Arsenal are now interested in him. Dubravka, who has started every Premier League game for the Magpies this term, needs to stay put though for the good of his career. He is finally in the spotlight of the Premier League and moving to the Gunners or Juve would more than likely see him become a second-choice ‘keeper. Arsenal have Bernd Leno while Juventus have Wojciech SzczÄ™sny. Realistically, he will struggle to take a number one spot away from either of those, especially when he does not have as much experience in European and major league football. Luckily Dubravka is tied down on a long-term contract at St James’ Park. It will be at least a couple of years before there’s a massive amount of pressure to sell him.

Share this article