6’3″ giant surprise name in Newcastle’s five Players of the Year for 2017/18
4. Martin Dubravka
Games for Newcastle: 12 – Goals conceded: 11 – Clean sheets: 4
By January Rafa Benitez had already used three goalkeepers across all competitions, with Karl Darlow, Rob Elliot and Freddie Woodman all battling it out for a place between the sticks.
None had been exceptional but on the other hand none had been massively unimpressive, which is why the loan capture of Martin Dubravka came as such a surprise.
However, if there were any doubts over why Benitez is seen as a world class manager, then this move proved it.
Like Kenedy at the other end of the pitch, the Slovakian international changed the dynamics at the back, with his confidence and composure rubbing off on all his defensive team mates.
An excellent shot stopper who has great communication skills and the ability to dominate in the air, Benitez found what he needed to boost his side, and there is little doubt that Dubravka himself saved Newcastle a point or two.
Click below for number three on the list – a man who turned his season around…