What Aaron Ramsdale has been doing in Newcastle training after Nick Pope’s nightmare vs West Ham
Nick Pope or Aaron Ramsdale? That is the decision that Eddie Howe is faced with every time he picks his Newcastle United starting XI.
The Magpies are lucky to have two incredibly strong goalkeepers, with Aaron Ramsdale joining on loan from Southampton during the summer transfer window.
The deal includes an option to buy, but Ramsdale is yet to prove he deserves a permanent move. That is through no fault of his own, however, with Nick Pope still firmly positioned as Newcastle United’s first-choice goalkeeper.
But fans want to see more of Ramsdale, who recently excelled in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur. What followed days later was a disappointing Pope performance against West Ham.
The 33-year-old’s display only intensified the desire from some supporters to see Ramsdale in the starting XI, with the summer signing applying as much pressure as possible in training.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Aaron Ramsdale is pushing ‘hard’ for Nick Pope’s place in the Newcastle United XI
That is the understanding of Graeme Bailey, with the insider exclusively speaking to Geordie Boot Boys about the goalkeeper situation at Newcastle United right now,
“From what I understand, it has been Nick Pope’s jersey to lose,” he said.
“Ramsdale did well in the Carabao Cup the other day, just days before Pope struggled at West Ham.
“It’s a decision that is being considered. Ramsdale is pushing Pope in training really hard. It is one to keep an eye on.”
Despite his error against West Ham, Pope retained his place in the side for the Champions League clash with Athletic Club.
Pope produced a solid performance on Wednesday night and is part of Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle XI to face Brentford this weekend.
Nick Pope can thank Aaron Ramsdale as he makes England return
While the West Ham game was disappointing, it was a small blip in what has been an excellent season so far for Pope.
He has been playing at an extremely high level, clearly spurred on by the pressure that is being applied by Ramsdale on the training ground.
Ramsdale’s arrival is getting the best out of Pope, so much so that he has been able to earn a recall into the England squad.
He has been named in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the upcoming international break, with the Three Lions set to face Serbia and Albania in World Cup qualifiers.
Pope is one of three Newcastle United players in the squad alongside Dan Burn and Anthony Gordon.
