Newcastle United’s friendly win over Urawa Red Diamonds might suggest that the Magpies are going to have a much better season.
Despite the fact that it was only a friendly, Newcastle United defeated Urawa Red Diamonds 4-1. Lewis Hall and Alexander Isak both scored goals, while Jacob Murphy also received a brace.
Thanks to the trio’s fantastic performance in Japan, Newcastle supporters now believe Hall will have a very successful season. Hopefully, the 19-year-old is one of them.
During the Magpies’ first preseason friendly in the Far East, nevertheless, there were other players who drew attention besides the goal scorers.
Nick Pope impresses for Newcastle United
Nick Pope was not at fault for Newcastle United’s inability to hold Urawa Reds to a clean sheet.
For Eddie Howe’s team, the 32-year-old had an incredible debut. He produced a number of outstanding saves, one from the penalty spot.
Pope’s ability to stop shots was evident, just as it was on Saturday against Hull City. The England international is extremely skilled going into the new campaign, but Toon supporters should be encouraged by more than just his saves.
Pope can help Newcastle be much more successful this season
The £10 million player often ran off his line to eliminate danger and support his defenders, demonstrating why he is an excellent sweeper keeper.
Urawa Reds made many attempts to send the ball forward rapidly in an effort to get past the Toon defense. They tried to take advantage of Dan Burn’s slowness, but Newcastle had an answer.
Pope was there to rescue the day as the ball came in behind. Due to his starting position, which guaranteed he was in the right place at the right moment, he would dash out and eliminate any possible threat.
It was a far cry from Newcastle United’s situation the previous season, when Pope was out.
Due to a shoulder injury he sustained in December, Martin Dubravka once again took his place as Newcastle’s starting goalkeeper. The Slovakian drastically changed the Magpies’ defense strategy, although not in a positive way.
Due to Dubravka’s persistent refusal to budge from his line, there was a significant gulf between him and his defenders. A mean backline become very porous as a result of the mayhem and confusion that ensued.
Consequently, Newcastle experienced a less successful season than anticipated. They were maimed by injuries, of which Pope’s was arguably the most severe.
However, Pope is back to full fitness, and his presence in goal could help Newcastle United improve their defense significantly from 2023–24.
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