Portugal defeated Slovakia last week by a close margin thanks in large part to Bruno Fernandes, but Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka gave his team every chance, and Manchester United’s player has hailed Dubravka.
Naturally, Dubravka was on loan at Manchester United for the first part of the previous season after slipping in Tyneside’s hierarchy, behind Nick Pope. He still plays backup to Pope for the Toons.
Over the break in October, he added 40 caps to his cap total, solidifying his position as his nation’s first choice. On Friday, he defeated Portugal to win his 39th, with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a brace and Goncalo Ramos scoring one.
However, Portugal ultimately prevailed 3-2, albeit with a tight victory. Dubravka was a rock in goal, turning away players like Ronaldo and Fernandes time and time again. A video that he uploaded to Instagram.
Newcastle man Dubravka praised by Man United’s Fernandes
The fact that Dubravka, who has not played a single minute for Eddie Howe’s team this season, can enter the game without playing time and put on a performance like he did on Friday against Portugal, is encouraging for Newcastle.
Howe will still have a relatively solid backup in goalkeeper Dubravka if Pope is unavailable at any stage this season for any reason. The £4 million man embodies experience.
He not only attracted the attention of onlookers from Newcastle and Slovakia, but he also won Fernandes’ admiration, which lasted the full ninety minutes. To Dubravka’s Instagram post, he responded.
