Fantasy Football Potential – Martin Dubravka

Newcastle have signed Slovak goalkeeper Martin Dubravka from Sparta Prague after a successful loan spell last season with the Magpies. Dubravka played a dozen times in the Premier League and his performances were enough to earn him a permanent move for around €5 million.

Interestingly, Dubravka’s father was also a goalkeeper and his grandfather also played between the sticks. Dubravka does also have some silverware to his name, as he won the Slovak first division twice in 2009/10 and 2011/12.

Dubravka said:

“When I arrived on loan in January, I already knew Newcastle United was a great club with amazing fans. The first game helped a lot in a new team. Nobody knew who I was and then suddenly I was playing against Manchester United with my teammates. I really appreciate the way the fans supported us, home and away. I’ve never seen anything like that before.”

Fantasy Premier League Potential (5.0m)

Dubravka has been priced at £5.0m which is slightly too much in my opinion. Most of the goalkeepers that finished in and around Newcastle are priced at £4.5m, meaning Dubravka may not get too many owners, as they look at the cheaper options. Coupled with this there are eight keepers priced cheaper than Dubravka that managed to keep more clean sheets than the Slovak.

He did keep four clean sheets in his 12 matches last season, scoring 53 points in the process. If Newcastle can reach the top 8 this campaign then Dubravka might return well for his price, but it may be difficult for the Slovak.

Newcastle’s first five fixtures are as follows; Tottenham (H), Cardiff (A), Chelsea (H), Manchester City (A), Arsenal (H), It is a relentless start for Newcastle and Dubravka will struggle to get many clean sheets from these matches.

Written by Harry Clark (@HarryClark67)