Newcastle United may not have signed any big-name players over the course of the summer transfer window but they still boast a huge amount of quality in their squad.
It, after all, is one of the most expensive squads in world football.
Newcastle have some brilliant players, there’s little doubt about that. Jamie Carragher has backed Anthony Gordon as one of the best forwards in the Premier League, while Eddie Howe has described Alexander Isak as a “game-changer”.
There are surely few midfielders who can match Bruno Guimaraes at his absolute best too, while Howe believes the veteran Kieran Trippier is still a standout.
They aren’t the only names attracting attention, however.
Speaking after Howe’s side beat Wolves on Sunday, pundit Ian Wright was full of praise for Nick Pope.
Ian Wright says Newcastle United star Nick Pope is “easily” one of the best in the Premier League
Pope, who also impressed during the win over Tottenham before the international break, made some key saves to ensure a fine three points for his team at Molineux.
Talking to the Premier League’s official website, Wright said: “You need a good goalkeeper if you’re going to win anything. People talk about Nick Pope and his feet, but he’s easily one of the best shot stoppers in the Premier League without a shadow of a doubt.
“It was a fantastic effort because the way he got across saved the game for Newcastle.”
Nick Pope is back to his best for Newcastle
Howe was thought to have been “crestfallen” about Pope’s shoulder injury back in December for a reason. The England goalkeeper is, in the Newcastle United manager’s own words, “vital” to the cause.
Having him back in the first-team picture feels crucial. Only four teams in the Premier League have conceded fewer than Newcastle’s three goals so far this season which, while we remain at an early stage, is a sign of improvement compared to last year.
Pope cannot be expected to pull off wonder save after wonder save but he’s certainly showing he’s capable of it to at least some degree.
With him in the side, Newcastle can surely expect to concede fewer goals this time around.
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