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2017-18 Newcastle United player review: Rob Elliot

By Carson A Merk

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: Robert Elliot of Newcastle United celebrates after the full time whistle during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Newcastle United at London Stadium on December 23, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: Robert Elliot of Newcastle United celebrates after the full time whistle during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Newcastle United at London Stadium on December 23, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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Rob Elliot started the season as Newcastle United’s first choice keeper but ended it as the third option.

After closing the 2016-17 Championship season as the starter, Rob Elliot entered this year as the #1 keeper. He would battle injury and inconsistency before finding himself out of the rotation.

2017-18 stats: 16 appearances, 21 goals conceded, 3 clean sheets. 

Contract runs until: June 2020

Roy Emanuel

Newcastle United’s starting goalkeeper to begin the 2017-18 campaign, Rob Elliot enjoyed some good performances and recorded three clean sheets this season. Rafa Benitez felt that distribution could be stronger from the position, and along with injuries he eventually made way for Karl Darlow. A reliable player, I would expect to see Elliot move on this summer.

2018-19 outlook: Sell this summer

Durim Halimi

Rob Elliot is a good goalkeeper in an unfortunate situation. When he was designated as a starter for Newcastle this season, Elliot played well and showed that he is worthy of Premier League action. However, injuries and inconsistent form in the middle of the season revived the competition for the starting role. Now with Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow ahead of him, Elliot would be wise to find another club to earn playing time.

2018-19 outlook: Sell this summer

Carson A. Merk

As I’ve said before, Elliot is a very steady goalkeeper. He will make almost all of the routine saves, but he doesn’t often make highlight reel caliber stops. The longtime Newcastle United man has also battled injuries the past couple seasons. I think the club should keep him around to back up Martin Dubravka because unlike Darlow, he rarely makes big mistakes.

2018-19 outlook: Quality rotation player

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Declan Ryan

Unfortunately, any first team hopes of Elliot’s going forward have been dashed by injury and the signing of Martin Dubravka. He’s certainly a capable keeper, and there will no doubt be a market for Elliot who’s been with Newcastle since 2011. At only 32 years of age, he’ll want to still be playing first-team football and being a 3rd choice keeper on Tyneside will likely mean a departure would be good for both parties.

2018-19 outlook: Sell this summer