Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has tipped Dutchman Tim Krul to go right to the top of the goalkeeping tree.
Newcastle manager backs Dutch international to come of age
Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has tipped Tim Krul to go right to the top of the goalkeeping tree.
After joining the Magpies as a teenager in 2006, Krul spent spells on loan with Falkirk and Carlisle as he got used to life away from his native Netherlands.
However, although the departure of Shay Given to Manchester City in 2009 briefly elevated Steve Harper to the No.1 slot, Krul quickly assumed the position and has never looked back.
Krul produced arguably the best performance of all at Old Trafford on Saturday when he denied Manchester United with a succession of splendid saves, turning away a goalbound Ryan Giggs effort in the first half, then repelling Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra in the latter stages of the 1-1 draw.
Great future
And, while he accepts following in Given's footsteps will not be easy, Pardew is confident Krul has what it takes to get there if the 23-year-old maintains his present rate of progress.
"Potentially, it is fair to say he could do that," said Pardew.
"But he has a long way to go. Shay Given was at the top of the tree for Newcastle for many years.
"Tim has a great future in front of him if he keeps his feet on the floor, works on his game. Who knows what he can achieve?"
