OPINION
Martin Dubravka didn’t exactly cover himself with glory in Newcastle United’s 3-1 defeat at Liverpool.
The Slovakian made a mistake which allowed Sadio Mane to pounce and give the Reds the lead in the game, something that the Magpies never recovered from.
Despite that, the Chronicle reported on their website that the 30-year-old was closing in on a new contract at St James’ Park after he impressed inbetween the sticks last season.
Dubravka was ever-present in the Premier League, giving limited opportunities to other goalkeepers in the North East, with the likes of Rob Elliott and Karl Darlow having made little if any impact on Steve Bruce’s side in recent years.
Another keeper who has used this opportunity to move away and take advantage of earning consistent game time is Freddie Woodman.
The England youth international has played every single game in the Championship so far for Swansea City after completing a loan move to Wales.
It is suggested in a report from the Chronicle that Newcastle see Woodman as the successor to Dubravka as their goalkeeper after the Slovakian retires or moves on.
The regional newspaper also reports online that the Magpies are keen to offer the 22-year-old a new contract at the club, with his list of admirers growing as his current deal, nears the end.
Woodman is fully deserving of a new deal at the club, and Bruce is spot on to view him as the successor to his experienced stopper in the future.
The young stopper has been impressive at the Liberty Stadium for the Swans and has been consistently praised for his performances in goal – earning the Man of the Match award as voted for by the fans last time out.
Swansea have only conceded five goals in the Championship before Saturday’s clash against Bristol City – the second-best defensive record in the league, and Woodman deserves credit for that, with the 22-year-old making an average of 2.3 saves per game according to WhoScored.
England manager, Gareth Southgate has also confirmed as quoted by the Chronicle that he has an eye on the 22-year-old for his senior side already this season – proving his ability.
With his list of admirers growing from his loan-spell, Woodman is fully deserving of a new deal, and Newcastle would be smart to secure his future in the North East.
