Nick Pope has heaped praise on Newcastle United centre-backs Sven Botman and Fabian Schar after a successful first half of the campaign.
The England goalie has struck a wonderful rapport with the duo with the defensive stars helping him keep seven Premier League clean sheets and book a place at the World Cup. The Magpies can also boast one of the sturdiest defences in the top-flight 11 goals conceded so far.
When asked about playing with Schar and Botman: "They are great to play with on and off the ball. "Communication, calmness and aggressiveness when required, they give everything. It was great to be behind them."
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Pope also feels that the fitness levels instilled in the Magpies under Eddie Howe has been a massive reason behind their early season success. And it was something he spotted very early in pre-season just days after joining the club from Burnley.
The player of the season contender said: "As a goalkeeper we don't do loads of running but I have seen the boys and how hard the boys work and the yards they put in, especially in a couple of pre-season games then in training. They push so hard to build up fitness levels and try to get that edge. When it comes into fruition it's great to see."
Newcastle went into the break in a brilliant third place in the Premier League. But the aims of the squad remain to simply improve game by game.
Pope said: "Building on last year is important. And give the fans and people something enjoyable to watch. Everyone wants to play good football and we want to play good winning football. It's something we will look to do."
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