Russell Edge

Thu 1 February 2018 20:33, UK

Martin Dubravka – 5/10

Benitez made his feelings about securing a new goalkeeper known during the summer, and the pursuit did not end when the January window opened.
A late move for Slovakian international Dubravka was secured on deadline day, meaning hot prospect Freddie Woodman was allowed to leave in search of some much needed first team football.
However that really is the only redeeming factor about this deal, in what should be viewed as an unnecessary use of time and money by Benitez and the transfer team.
Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot are more than capable goalkeepers in the top flight, and when there were much more pressing needs to focus on; a playmaker, a central midfielder and another striker to name but a few, Benitez’s desperation to secure a goalkeeper may have cost Newcastle the opportunity to seal another deal.
If he performs well there is the option to make the move a permanent deal, but the club already had adequate options in their current squad, and this could be a critical error come the end of the season.
In other Newcastle United news, a quartet must be axed from the starting XI in the Magpies’ post-January best XI.