How Martin Dubravka and Robert Sanchez compare as Brighton star is linked with Newcastle

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Newcastle United are reportedly considering a move for Robert Sanchez this summer.

The Magpies are reportedly (The Sun) weighing up a potential £20 million offer for the Spanish stopper, who has impressed since becoming the number one at Brighton.

Sanchez, 24, came onto the scene in November 2020.

So far, he has racked up 57 appearances for the Seagulls, and largely impressed on the south coast.

He’s one of a few goalkeepers Newcastle are reportedly looking at.

It was also reported recently that Newcastle would not stand in Martin Dubravka’s way he if he want to leave.

It seems the Magpies are open to replacing the Slovakia international, but how do the two compare statistically in the Premier League this season?

Save percentage

Sanchez has played 11 more Premier League games than Dubravka this season as a result of the Toon star being injured at the start of the campaign.

He has obviously, therefore, made more saves.

So it’s important to look at the actual save percentage of both.

And it’s Sanchez who wins out. He has a value of 72.8%, while Dubravka has just 63.9%.

Long passing

In terms of passing the ball long (40 yards and over), it’s actually Dubravka who is more accurate.

He’s at 46.4%, while Sanchez is down at 32.8%.

Overall passing

When it comes to passing of all types (short, medium and long), it’s Sanchez who was proven to be more accurate so far this season.

He’s recorded a value of 72%, while Dubravka is slightly below with 66%.

Stopping crosses

Stopping crosses is something that is very important.

It really pays to have a goalkeeper who can command their area well.

Sanchez wins out here, stopping 12.5% of crosses into the box. Dubravka has stopped just 8.4%

Sweeping

Sweeping is another area of goalkeeping that has become hugely important.

Lots of teams like to play high lines now. And so, it is very important that a goalkeeper can come and snuff out any danger when the ball is played through.

Sanchez comfortably wins this particular comparison.

He’s averaged 1.00 defensive actions out of the box per 90 so far. Dubravka’s value for the same metric is a measly 0.22.

Shot creating actions

These days, there is more of a demand for goalkeepers to actually try and help make chances.

It’s obviously not the most important thing for a goalkeeper, but it’s a nice trait to have.

Sanchez has recorded four shot creating actions this season. That admittedly isn’t many, but Dubravka hasn’t made any at all.

It may suggest that Sanchez is a bit more capable of providing a rare assist.

Stats via fbref.com