Does it count when your teammate labels you as the best goalkeeper in the world? Probably not, but there is a reason Newcastle’s goalie Nick Pope is getting a lot of praise after stringing ten clean sheets in a row.After the Magpies’ Carabao Cup 1-0 win at Southampton, Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes hailed his teammate as the world’s best. Although Bruno is probably at least a little biased, it doesn’t mean that Pope doesn’t deserve recognition.🗣 “I think he’s the best goalkeeper right now in the world.” Bruno Guimaraes thanks his goalkeeper Nick Pope during the post-match interview ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ybQdfxfI3L— Football Daily (@footballdaily) January 24, 2023 Pope hasn’t been beaten since 6 November – that’s 79 days ago. That day, Southampton’s Romain Perraud scored a late consolation in Newcastle’s 4-1 win in the Premier League. That is a run of 10 games and 901 minutes where Pope’s net stayed still. Over that period, the only goals Newcastle conceded came in the 2-1 FA Cup defeat at Sheffield Wednesday – but Pope wasn’t between the sticks that day.Former Newcastle and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given couldn’t believe Pope’s numbers this season. “Pope’s stats are phenomenal. Any goalkeeper in the world who had that would be delighted. He’s there for important moments to make crucial stops. He gives his teammates so much confidence. Best in the world? That is up for debate, but he’s in the best run of form in his career.”##NAJAVA_MECA_6971496##The Magpies boast the best defensive record in the Premier League, thanks to Pope and the consistent back four comprised of Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman and Dan Burn. Those five guys take great pride in keeping their net intact. On Tuesday night, they thought they’d conceded a rare goal, but VAR spotted a handball from Southampton’s Adam Armstrong. The former Burnley and Charlton goalie was relieved to see.”A lot of work goes into it, but VAR has helped us out. It was a massive relief. You don’t expect too many reprieves. We’re thankful for that one.”Goalkeepers with the highest save percentages in the Premier League this season: 🏴 Nick Pope (82.3%)🇪🇸 Kepa (82%)🇪🇸 David Raya (75.4%)🇩🇪 Bernd Leno (74.5%) 🏴 Aaron Ramsdale (73.3%) #NUFC | #CFC | #BrentfordFC | #FFC | #AFC | #PL | #FPL pic.twitter.com/rcJUMKTOZD— EPL Statman (@EPLStatman) January 25, 2023 Pope’s made two crucial saves from substitute Che Adams with the match scoreless means he now has a remarkable record of ten successive clean sheets in all competitions. It makes him the first goalkeeper with a Premier League side to achieve such a feat – delighting his manager Eddie Howe.”He stood tall for us, as he has done all season. Ten clean sheets in a row is a brilliant thing for Nick. I think he deserves that accolade. He’s been excellent on and off the pitch in every respect since he signed for the club. I can’t speak highly enough of him, I can’t praise him enough, and I can’t rate him highly enough. He’s a brilliant shot-stopper, and I think he’s in a very good place currently.”The arrival of Pope to St James’ Park ahead of this season is proving to be a masterstroke in the football market – especially at the price of just €14 million. It’s a bargain.
