A few weeks ago manager Rafa Benitez said that backup goalkeeper Karl Darlow was improving as he trained with new arrival Martin Dubravka.
And Rafa has again mentioned that Karl has improved a lot since the Slovakian International arrived at the club at the end of January.
The three goalkeepers train together and with Dubravka’s special skills – good with his feet and he commands his box – Rafa was no doubt hoping those skills could be passed onto the two other goalkeepers at the club.
Karl Darlow – improved since Dubravka arrived
Rafa has been interviewed in the Chronicle today and he was asked how Darlow and Elliot have reacted to the arrival of 29-year-old Martin Dubravka who has been impressive in goal for Newcastle:
This is what Rafa said:
“They have been fine. It has been good for them.”
“Darlow has improved a lot in terms of the little things that he can see Martin doing.”
“Every player can learn from another one – especially keepers because they are there together all the time.”
“They can look and see: ‘Ah, maybe he is doing that, perhaps I can do this, or that.’
“So I think it has been positive for him.” “It is about improving everyone and that is what has been happening so far.”
Darlow is now the backup to Dubravka and it’s good that he is improving.
There was talk about Karl getting a new contract a few months ago and Rafa will want to tie down both backup goalkeepers.
But they will not be happy with a backup role since and both want to play football.
We’ll have to see what happens in the summer.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
1 comment so far
G
Mar 29, 2018 at 9:45 AM
Comment #1Keepers tend to peak in their late 20’s early 30’s. Darlow has time on his side to become top dog. Elliot on the other hand (whom I feel has never let us down) could be on borrowed time.