Newcastle United star Nick Pope was praised by Pep Guardiola following Manchester City’s Premier League defeat on Saturday.
A Harvey Barnes brace saw Newcastle United beat Manchester City 2-1 in the Premier League to roar back into form after the international break.
Newcastle were good value for the three points against Guardiola’s side, even if City did have chances themselves.
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Erling Haaland twice went close but was denied by Pope on both occasions.
Firstly, Pope ran out to put pressure on Haaland after City had carved Newcastle open. The Norway striker duly shot high and wide.
After that, Pope did well to deny one of the most lethal forwards in world football from close range.
Guardiola was impressed.
Pep Guardiola hails Nick Pope after Newcastle United beat Man City
The 33-year-old has attracted a fair amount of criticism from supporters and pundits alike this season, with many calling for Aaron Ramsdale to replace him.
While some of them may have had a point at times, there’s little doubt that the England international remains capable of making fine saves.
He wasn’t at his busiest yet against City but Guardiola still paid special mention to him after the game.
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, Guardiola said: “Both ‘keepers were good, especially Gigio [Donnarumma] and, after, we missed chances by margins.
“Pope was good too.”
Some of the best managers in the world absolutely love Nick Pope
Thomas Tuchel has also praised Pope and called him up to the most recent England squad, only to see him forced out due to concussion.
Eddie Howe is a big fan of Pope too, which gives some indication as to how highly he’s actually rated.
Yes, there are limits to his game, and Ramsdale would offer a slightly more modern way of playing because of his ability on the ball.
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However, Pope remains a key figure at Newcastle and could well make a late run to make his second World Cup squad with England.
Ramsdale has been somewhat unlucky not to have been handed more chances but there is a reason Pope is keeping him out.
Some of the best managers in the world rate him very highly indeed.
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