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Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has heaped praise on Newcastle United shot-stopper Martin Dubravka after an "outstanding" display against Chelsea, via Football Insider.
What's the word?
The 30-year-old has been at the club since January 2018 after originally joining on loan from the Czech Republic-based outfit Sparta Prague, before agreeing to a permanent deal the following summer.
The 6 foot 3 Slovakian was praised by former manager Rafael Benitez, who credited his professionalism and his potential.
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Despite the Magpies losing 1-0 to Chelsea, former England international Robinson gushed over the goalkeeper's performance and the impact that he's had since arriving at St James' Park.
Speaking to the Football Insider, he said: “I think he has been a huge signing for Newcastle as he has transformed the team.
“They needed a top-quality keeper and I think the way he has performed on Saturday was outstanding and while he’s not on the same level, I think he has had a similar impact on Newcastle to what Alisson has had on Liverpool.
“I think Newcastle, since Tim Krul left, have needed a top top goalkeeper as they had a real problem there, they brought Dubravka in on loan with a view to a permanent and they quickly made the deal permanent as his quality was easy to see and he showed that Saturday for Newcastle.”
Big compliment
It is a huge compliment in the modern football era to be compared to the likes of Alisson from Liverpool, who has recently been nominated for the prestigious 2019 Ballon d'Or award. However, Dubravka deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as the Brazilian's after a stunning performance against Chelsea.
The Slovakian made six saves from inside the box during the 90 minutes and made one high claim. This illustrates that he kept Newcastle in the game before Marcus Alonso's goal in the second half won it for the hosts.
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Dubravka has had big shoes to fill since the departure of Krul, who had a long career at St James' Park.
Now playing for Norwich City, the 31-year-old made 185 appearances for Newcastle in both the Premier League and the Championship, keeping 53 clean sheets and playing 16,550 minutes in a Magpies' shirt. The Dutchman is a man that showed great loyalty to the Toon in the face of adversity.
Robinson is right about the 30-year-old and having already kept three clean sheets this season, Dubravka is just as important to Newcastle as Alisson is to Liverpool.