BRAV-HEART MARTIN IS RAFA’S ROCK
Games played Minutes played Goals
Assists
Goals and assists Mins per goal or assist Total shots
Mins per shot
Shot conversion rate Chances created Mins per chance created
MARTIN DUBRAVKA has become Newcastle’s rock – on and off the pitch – according to boss Rafa Benitez.
The Newcastle keeper is ready to face Manchester United at St James’ Park tonight, a repeat of his debut fixture last season when he turned in a memorable performance to help Toon win 1-0.
Dubravka has now racked up 32 games as Benitez’s No.1, and kept a remarkable 10 clean sheets in a side fighting relegation.
That has caused European clubs, including Juventus, to scout him this season, but the Slovakia star (above) says he is more than happy to be top dog in goal on Tyneside.
Dubravka admits to being vocal in the dressing room, has not shied away from shaking things up when Newcastle have had a bad run, and will be needed tonight as the rampant Reds hit the Toon.
He is ranked fifth for clean sheets this season, beaten only by keepers from the top four clubs with Liverpool’s Alisson top with 12. Dubravka (with Benitez, left) has also made 59 saves, the seventh most in the league.
His form is remarkable considering Benitez snatched him from Sparta Prague on loan 11 months ago, and bagged him permanently for just £4.3million in the summer. His value has at least tripled since.
Benitez sees Dubravka’s stats as a blessing and a worry. He said: “If he continues to do well, it is good for us. If he attracts interest, it is also negative, because it means the opposition are attacking a lot!
“He’s an important player for us – not just because of the saves he is making, but because of his character and attitude, too.
“He is very professional, very positive – someone that is always good for any team and is a key voice in the dressing room.”
Toon now have a difficult run of games, with Chelsea, Cardiff, Manchester City and Tottenham next up in the league.
Dubravka, 29, said: “It’s a very tough period. I think we’re physically and mentally prepared for that. We have quality players and all of them have experience.
“So, we should be fine. We will see.”