Pope ‘one of the best’, says Chris Wood
CHRIS Wood previously labelled Newcastle United new boy Nick Pope as “the best” goalkeeper he has ever played with.
The England international yesterday became the second summer arrival, joining from relegated Burnley for around £10million.
Signing an experienced goalkeeper – who has eight Three Lions caps – gives Eddie Howe a selection headache ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
The Chronicle understands Pope wanted assurances on his firstteam opportunities before signing a four-year contract.
An unlikely reunion with a former Clarets team-mate will now take place.
Wood swapped Turf Moor for St James’ Park in January and, following relegation to the Championship, Pope has done the same.
Magpies striker Wood believed Newcastle’s new goalkeeper was the best in the country when speaking to talkSPORT last year.
“He is one of the best keepers I’ve worked with. (At) shot stopping, I think he’s number one,” he said.
“He’s unbelievable at taking pressure from crosses, corners, and every year he’s been better playing out with his feet.
“Ultimately, if I’m putting a keeper in goal, I want him to stop goals, and he’s been a credit for that for us for a number of years now.
“He’s a minimum of 12 clean sheets a season, and in my eyes, he should be England’s number one.
“It’s hard to knock Pickford out of that spot, but hopefully when his chance comes along, he takes it.”
Wood also described Pope as “unbelievable” following a 2-0 win against Norwich City in 2020.
The New Zealand international bagged the opener that day while Pope also impressed, becoming the first goalkeeper to achieve 15 clean sheets in a season for 25 years.
“I think as a team we’ll be fighting like hell for him (to win the Golden Glove),” Wood said postmatch.
“It’ll be fantastic, he’s a fantastic keeper, in my opinion, the best in England.
“It shows because he’s got 15 clean sheets this season, which is unbelievable, especially in a team like Burnley.
“Hopefully, he can get one more to at least get a share of the Golden Glove.”