Newcastle United look set to be without their ‘best player’ according to one former Premier League player.
A report in The Times last week claimed Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines as he undergoes treatment for a heel injury.
The 31-year-old has been ably deputised by Karl Darlow for the beginning of the Premier League campaign, however, Dubravka has been sensational since he arrived on Tyneside and former Manchester City and England defender Danny Mills believes the stopper is a ‘big loss’ to the Toon.
Speaking to Football Insider, Mills claimed Dubravka, who signed for the club from Slavia Prague in 2018, has ‘been probably their (Newcastle’s) best player.’
Mills who played 19 times for England said: “He has made some vital saves and has been crucial to that team. Dubravka’s a fantastic shot-stopper. He has been probably their best player.”
The 43-year-old continued: “A good goalkeeper gives the defence confidence and belief and allows them to play with freedom and confidence. That flows all of the way through a team. It is so important to have a good goalkeeper.”
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Whilst Dubravka’s reported absence until December is a huge blow to Steve Bruce’s squad, Darlow’s performances as the acting number one have been assured enough for the goalkeeping worries not to be regarded as too much of a hindrance.
Despite conceding four in Saturday’s home defeat to Manchester United, the 30-year-old has always been reliable when called up in his who five years at the club since signing from Nottingham Forest.
