Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope reportedly watches Wolves stopper Jose Sa to try and better his own game.
The England international completed a move to the Magpies earlier this summer from relegated Burnley.
It’s expected he will become the new number one at St. James’ Park, taking over from Martin Dubravka.
Pope has proven himself to be a great goalkeeper over the past few years.
Playing for Burnley, the star has been called into action a lot and he played a big part in helping to keep the Clarets in the top-flight for six years.
Pope is now a Newcastle player, and the £10 million transfer (Sky Sports) has been widely praised.
The star may now be 30 years old, but he is still looking to make improvements to his game. And according to The Athletic, Wolves ace Sa is someone he watches, as well as Manchester City star Ederson and Liverpool stopper Alisson, who have ‘set a great benchmark as the top goalkeepers in the league’.
Pope says (The Athletic): “I want to grow that part (playing out from the back) of my game. It’s something I’m keen to improve upon and make a part of my armoury. We’ve worked a lot on how we’re going to play out from the back during pre-season, which I’ve really enjoyed.”
Sa enjoyed a wonderful first season at Molineux in 2021/22 and it is little wonder Pope would want to study him.
The 29-year-old showed himself to be strong in all aspects of goalkeeping, with his shot-stopping, sweeping and distributing all particularly impressive traits.
Jose Sa setting an example after fine first season at Molineux
It is good to hear Sa coming in for acknowledgement from another fellow pro. It comes after Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne also praised Sa earlier this year.
To be lumped in with Ederson and Alisson is a clear sign that Pope holds him in very high regard.
The former Olympiacos man certainly does have a brilliant all-round game, so it is little wonder he’s an example to others.
Hopefully Wolves can count on their number one to have another fine season. It’s on him to show that he won’t be a one-season wonder.