Newcastle United new boy Nick Pope is statistically better than Jordan Pickford at almost every aspect as a goalkeeper. Facts do not lie and the Magpies’ shot-stopper - who arrived from Burnley in midweek for £10million - comes out on top in all departments.
Regardless, Pope is forced to settle for a bit-part role with England while Pickford takes the spotlight on the international stage. The former Everton goalkeeper is one of Gareth Southgate’s most trusted lieutenants, earning 45 Three Lions caps - dwarfing the eight Pope has to his name.
Analysing the statistics may force the England boss to rethink his first-choice option ahead of the World Cup in Qatar. Pope has conceded 1.19 goals per game in the Premier League - an impressive record in a side consistently fighting relegation. Pickford, on the other hand, ships in 1.48 per match by comparison.
