Nick Pope has been one of the surprise packages in the Premier League this season. Tom Heaton, Burnley’s no.1 shot-stopper, suffered a dislocated shoulder in the Clarets’ fourth game of the season and Pope was subsequently given the chance. He has made full use of the opportunity he received and made a strong impact.
Pope has shown that he can be more than a deputy shot stopper. The 25-year-old has made 27 appearances in the Premier League so far this season and has managed to notch up 10 clean sheets. He has made 2.81 saves per game on an average and makes 3.45 saves per goal. His impressive performances have attracted a lot of attention from Newcastle United, who are want to lure him to St. James’ Park in the summer.
The goalkeeper bags a weekly salary of £15,000-a-week and as per latest reports by The Sun, the club want to ensure he stays by offering him a better deal. The report states that Pope will be handed a package of £30,000-a-week so that he stays at Turf Moor.
This is no mean feat for someone who had not played a single league game for Burnley prior to this season. He was released by Ipswich Town a decade ago and struggled on a regular basis to ply his trade. His rise this season has also been seen by England national team’s manager, Gareth Southgate, as he was called into the English senior side for the friendly games against the Netherlands and Italy.
Pope is a brilliant goalkeeper who has often made stunning saves his reflexes. He has also done well in set piece situations despite only featuring for half a season or so. More often than not, he can be seen barking out orders to the defenders as he likes to impose himself at the back. At 25, that’s one skill which is rarely seen this says in the Premier League.
Once Heaton returns to full fitness, he won’t find it easy dislodging Pope from the starting XI as the latter has earned his place. For Sean Dyche, it’s a good headache to have. If Pope stays at Burnley, we could see Heaton angling for a move, though.
Stats via Squawka.com