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2017-18 Newcastle United player review: Karl Darlow

By Carson A Merk

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 28: Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow reacts during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United at The Hawthorns on November 28, 2017 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 28: Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow reacts during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United at The Hawthorns on November 28, 2017 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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Darlow finished the season the same place he began it: Newcastle United’s second choice keeper.

After backing up Rob Elliot at the beginning of the season, Karl Darlow got his chance to start in the middle of the year. Unfortunately, by the end of the campaign, he was back on the bench behind Martin Dubravka.

2017-18 stats: 10 appearances, two clean sheets, one win, 35 saves

Contract runs until: June 2020

Durim Halimi

Karl Darlow is an interesting player because he is capable of playing extremely well and is known for making amateur mistakes. He split playing time with Rob Elliot for most of the season, but I do not expect that to happen with Martin Dubravka. Darlow will add necessary depth for Newcastle but lacks the consistency to oust Dubravka from his starting job.

2018-19 outlook: Quality rotation player

Carson A. Merk

Just like the 2016-17 season, my first thought of Darlow is the glaring miscues. He couldn’t control a shot or knock the ball away against Everton and Wayne Rooney tapped it in for the deciding goal. Then, there was the own goal against Burnley, when he deflected the shot off the crossbar before bouncing down and in the goal off of his face.

I prefer Rob Elliot as the backup to Martin Dubravka because he is steady. While Darlow may make the occasional big save that Elliot can’t, he’s also much more prone to a howler than his counterpart. I would try to sell Darlow this summer, with Championship level clubs likely interested.

2018-19 outlook: Sell this summer

Declan Ryan

For a time last season, Darlow was Newcastle’s starting keeper, and despite a few wobbles, he didn’t look too out of place in the Premier League. Of course, Dubravka’s arrival has seriously hindered any further first-team chances for the 27-year-old, but he’s a good shot stopper and is still young for a goalkeeper with room to improve.

Next: A U-23 shakeup was much needed

Provided he accepts a backup role, Darlow could be a reliable part of Newcastle’s squad next season and he could absolutely fill in for the Magpies in Cup competitions to gain further experience. Initially capturing the club’s eye because of impressive performances in the Championship, there would be numerous interested clubs if Newcastle wants to sell the Englishman, but for now, he’s a useful backup.

2018-19 outlook: Quality rotation player