Lukas Hornicek: Our Best Signing Of The Summer So Far?

Goalkeeper is a critical position in any team and can easily be the difference between ten points won or ten points lost in a season.

It was clear last season that Nick Pope was on the wane after advancing years and two dislocated shoulder injuries and loanee Aaron Ramsey didn't impress enough to secure a permanent signing.

A new No.1 keeper was needed and Ross Wilson signed not just a new No.1, but a new No.2 as well, and truly caused a revolution in our shot stopping department.

How Good Is Lukáš Horníček?

In pre-season matches, after being beaten by two very similar long shots and having a couple of dodgy moments, some fans were beginning to have cause for concern.

However. those concerns have started to disappear quicker than a plate of cheesy chips in front of a portly Mackem as Hornicek has put in a series of top drawer displays that have already helped the team get points on the board.

A feature of his game, already recognised and highlighted by Jaissle, is his total lack of nerves and a mature calmness that rarely comes with a 24 year old keeper and especially one thrust straight into the very physical pressure of the PL.

Hornicek is already looking good, and there may be much more to come.

Could Horníček Become Newcastle's Long-Term No.1?

He certainly has time on his side.

A goalkeeper establishing himself in the Premier League at 24 could potentially remain first choice for the best part of a decade.

Keepers rarely reach their full potential until their mid to late 20's so Hornicek could yet develop into one of Newcastle's best ever keepers.

But, there is a big difference between producing several impressive performances and proving yourself consistently across an entire Premier League season.

That is the challenge Horníček now faces.

All keepers make mistakes, and if they make a couple of howlers in quick succession the crowd can get edgy and that can drain confidence, fray nerves, and lead to a downward spiral that can shatter form.

We've seen that with Nick Pope whose weakness with playing the ball out unnerved the crowd, unnerved Nick, and was a part of his downfall from being our nailed on No.1.

Will Ewen Jaouen Get His Chance?

At c£24M with an up front fee and add ons, 6'6" 20 year old French keeper Jaouen didn't come cheap for a back up keeper.

Ewen must already by thinking that, at just 24, Hornicek could be Newcastle's No.1 for a good few seasons and that his time at SJP could be spent mainly on the bench with the odd game in the early rounds of the cups.

But, as the great Greavsie used to say, football is a funny old game and injuries or loss of form could yet give Jaouen the chance to impress and stake a claim to be No.1.

Whichever way it's a good a good position, literally, for Newcastle to be in.

From having four keepers last season none of whom where deemed to be our No.1 going into this season... we now have two new young keepers battling it out for the gloves.

And, let's not forget Nick Pope while he is still here.

Jaouen's recent injury meant Nick coming back into the squad and after having been a tremendous servant since signing you can bet he would still give his all if he was called upon.

Nick Pope earned us plenty of points during his hey days and he has earned the full respect of fans for his part in getting us into the CL and winning the Carabou Cup.

But, as me fatha Bill always used to say... nowt stays the same son.

And our goal is now in the hands of Lukas Hornicek and Ewen Jaouen.

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