Former PL keeper praises Nick Pope, making a surprise comparison with superstar forward

Newcastle's Premier League performances so far hadn't been convincing, but their recent outing at St. James against arguably the strongest PL club surely has given the fans the hope of improving conditions. With plenty of big names coming back into form for the Magpies club, the fixture proved to be one of the best for the club in a while.

Former PL keeper praises Nick Pope, making a surprise comparison with superstar forward

While the credit for the important point was deservedly given to star players Anthony Gordon, Captain Bruno Guimaraes, and Joelinton, much talking didn't happen regarding one Toon star, who was decisive in restricting City to a 1-1 draw. Standing at 6'5 tall, Englishman Nick Pope was elemental in the Magpies' club's brilliant display against Pep's Man City.

So far this season, Nick Pope has stood out as one of the most consistent performers for Eddie Howe's side, making many difficult saves, but still doesn't get much praise for his magnificent skills in between the sticks. Speaking about the keeper's underratedness on The Football Fill-In podcast, former PL keeper Ben Forest completely agreed with his co-host, who pointed out that because of his physical build, Pope doesn't get much credit.

In fact, Foster compared the Magpies keeper's physicality with superstar forward Erling Haaland, giving the Man City star's example,

"“Look at Erling Haaland for Man City. He gets chances and scores chances and creates chances that other strikers would not be able to because he is physically so much more of a specimen than everybody else that he can make a chance.""

- Ben Foster

Foster said having a strong build as of Erling Haaland, Nick Pope is able to reach for the ball in tight corners, which usually others can't. Praising the 32-year-old keeper, Foster mentioned,

"“It’s the same with goalkeepers and Nick Pope. He is able to get a hand on that one in the last minute because he’s so big. It all comes down to his body position as well. He stays big; he doesn’t sink too low. Just keeping the ball out of the net—he is one of the best you will see.”"

- Ben Foster

In the fixture against Manchester City, Nick Pope, apart from making an error of losing possession to Gundogan, was brilliant in the Magpies goal, making 5 crucial saves. Having restricted a lineup consisting of Erling Haaland, Bernardo Silva, and Jack Grealish to a mere single goal, Pope clearly stood out as one of the best players for Eddie Howe's side. Going forward, Newcastle fans would hope that the keeper continues in his rich form, contributing to the club's performances.