Newcastle United have wasted no time strengthening their defence this summer with three top class arrivals in recent weeks. The signing of Nick Pope is a welcomed addition and will provide much-needed competition for Martin Dubravka in the Magpies' goal.
However, the former Burnley man will also provide a selection headache for Eddie Howe as the Newcastle United boss decides which of his two highly-rated stoppers will take the No 1 jersey at St. James' Park.
Our team of writers here at Chronicle Live have offered their views as to which goalkeeper is worthy of the first-team spot in the 2022/23 Premier League.
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Aaron Stokes - Newcastle United editor
Eddie Howe last week admitted he wanted two quality additions in every position ahead of the new Premier League season - and his wish has certainly been granted in between the sticks. It's a great headache for Howe to have but I don't envy the Newcastle United boss for having to pick a regular No 1 in the coming months.
For me, Dubravka has been a terrific servant to the Magpies and to strip him of the jersey at the start of next season would seem slightly unfair. I think he will be given a chance to prove he can keep Pope out of the side in the short-term but admittedly I think the former Burnley man will take over the reins in long-term.
Lee Ryder - Chief Newcastle United writer
It's certainly a big call for Eddie Howe in the opening round of games. Not least after Dubravka's agent has essentially said they may look elsewhere if he's not in the team before deadline day. Pope played in all of Burnley's games last season and is a fully fledged England international so he hasn't come here to sit on the bench.
I personally think Dubravka has earned the right to start the season and would bring an air of calmness to proceedings in those early tricky tests against Nottingham Forest and Brighton. Given his experience and organisation, I think it will not do Pope any harm to observe the first few weeks of the season but battle for the gloves is well and truly on.
Ciaran Kelly - Senior Newcastle United writer
This is a welcome dilemma for Eddie Howe to have. Karl Darlow has certainly pushed Martin Dubravka for years, but it was rather telling that the goalkeeper never had had a proper extended run in the side when the Slovakia international was fit.
Dubravka has effectively been an untouchable under a host of different managers at Newcastle over the years but, now, the shot-stopper's position is under threat following the arrival of Nick Pope. Dubravka knows he has to raise his game even further or, otherwise, the 33-year-old will simply be out of the team. In contrast, before, Dubravka may have been able to play his way out of a sticky patch.
I do genuinely think the number one shirt is up for grabs and Dubravka and Pope's performances in training and Newcastle's upcoming pre-season friendlies will go a long way to deciding just who will start that season opener against Nottingham Forest in goal.
Newcastle will be in safe hands regardless, but Pope may just offer the Magpies something a little different as the younger alternative enters his peak years. Not only is Pope one of the best shot-stoppers in the league, but the England international could also give Newcastle a new dimension as a sweeper 'keeper with his ability to race out of his goal. That feels like a potent combination.
Andrew Musgrove - Social media editor
I'm not sure Eddie Howe knows the answer to this one - but what a brilliant dilemma to have.
Two quality goalkeepers fighting it out for the number one spot is exactly what every top side needs - and Newcastle have got that in Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka.
It shows the ruthlessness of Newcastle's owners and Howe that they've gone out and signed a top-quality shot-stopper to challenge Dubravka and is something everyone should welcome.
If Pope has a decent pre-season, I think the number spot will be his. Dubravka has been a great servant to Newcastle but did in parts last season fail to maintain the standards we've come to expect of him.
That's not to say I'm writing him off - he's still a very good goalkeeper but there's a reason Newcastle have brought in Pope just as they have done Sven Botman, and that is to build and improve.
For me, Pope will be no.1.
Stuart Jamieson - Football editor
The tables have turned somewhat for Martin Dubravka at Newcastle, but that doesn't necessarily mean he won't start the season as United's No 1. The previous two campaigns have seen the Slovakian international ruled out with injury initially, and then forced wait to reclaim his place. The reverse could be true this time around, however.
Eddie Howe must consider whether Dubravka has done anything to warrant being dropped. My feeling is that his performances throughout his time at the club have earned him the right to keep the jersey. But Pope hasn't come to sit on the bench, and Howe signed him for a reason, so it's a fair presumption to think the England man will waiting for his chance.
Whether that is starring in a cup game or capitalising on any dip in form from Dubravka, we'll have to wait and see, but I can't help thinking that although Dubrakva may start the season, Pope will end it as United's first choice.
Who do you think should be Newcastle's number one next season? Let us know in the comments section below.
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