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Newcastle United’s 2010-2019 Goalkeeper of the Decade

By Carson A Merk

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 18: Tim Krul of Newcastle United reacts during the Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St James' Park on October 18, 2014 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 18: Tim Krul of Newcastle United reacts during the Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St James' Park on October 18, 2014 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images) /
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With only a few weeks left of the 2010s, we look back at the Goalkeeper of the Decade at Newcastle United.

We’ve arrived in mid-December of 2019 with only a few weeks left in the year, meaning there are only a few weeks left in the decade. As everyone shares their music stats of the decade and prepare for 2020, we look back on the best Newcastle United player of the decade at each position group. Today, we start off with the best man between the sticks from 2010 through 2019.

Top Candidates (stats with first team from the 2010-11 season to current)

Karl Darlow: 60 appearances, 69 goals conceded, 20 clean sheets

Martin Dubravka: 66 appearances, 82 goals conceded, 19 clean sheets

Rob Elliot: 68 appearances, 103 goals conceded, 17 clean sheets

Tim Krul: 163 appearances, 259 goals conceded, 39 clean sheets

Expert Picks

Carson A. Merk: Tim Krul

Honestly, despite how good Martin Dubravka has been, this one is not even close. Tim Krul is absolutely the top goalkeeper for the Magpies this decade. He more than doubles the next most appearances for any keeper and he played in the biggest matches for the club this decade, including in the Europa League.

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 29: Tim Krul of Newcastle United makes a save during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on December 29, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 29: Tim Krul of Newcastle United makes a save during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on December 29, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

After arriving at the club in 2005, his lengthy stay with Newcastle ended with injuries and him fading down the depth chart. But, his prior accolades make him an easy selection for Goalkeeper of the Decade.

Durim Halimi: Martin Dubravka

Like Carson, I respect Tim Krul’s experience with and contribution to Newcastle United, but in terms of the best overall goalkeeper at the club since 2010, I have to go with our current starter, Martin Dubravka. The Slovakian shot stopper was an unknown keeper when he was brought in on loan last January, but he has transformed into an elite keeper. Ever since his spectacular debut against Manchester United (clean sheet, 1-0 win), Dubravka has been in fine form for the Magpies.

Next. Gary Lineker is right about Steve Bruce. dark

He rightfully earned a permanent contract, and an improved contract after that, and the Toon Army are fortunate to have such a talented keeper between the sticks for the next six years. Dubravka’s quick reactions and frequent communication with the back-line have kept Newcastle United in many games over the last two seasons, especially against superior opponents.

In my opinion, Dubravka is a top five Premier League goalkeeper and his personal statistics reflect this. Moreover, Newcastle United have claimed 24 wins (72 points) since Dubravka’s arrival in January of 2018.