Martin Dubravka puts on super show to thwart Belgium and crank up Newcastle transfer value

Lee Ryder

17 June 2024 at 2:37 pm·2-min read

A fired-up Martin Dubravka found his best form between the posts to light up the European Championships in Frankfurt.

The Newcastle United stopper pulled off a series of saves to deny Belgium in their Group E clash and help secure the biggest shock of the tournament so far and one of the biggest upsets ever at the Euros. Dubravka made five key saves as a Belgian side ranked number three in the world served up 16 attempts at goal.

Dubravka was on hand to deny the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku although the former Manchester United striker did have two goals chalked off for an offside and a handball in the build-up for what would have been a late equaliser. But in the end it mattered not as the 48th world ranked Slovakians held on for a huge, huge win in Germany.

For Dubravka it was the perfect response to anybody who has doubted him amid the probability of him being sold this summer. Yet he took full advantage of being in the shop window and Newcastle won't complain with the 35-year-old's price tag surely on the rise after this impressive shutout.

Dubravka has watched on as Newcastle have been linked with Burnley's James Trafford and ex-Wolves star John Ruddy. The former Sparta Prague man has been linked with Celtic too.

Speaking about his future recently, Dubravka said: "If I'm honest, I don't care what happens anymore. I defended my place and did my best for the club. If they decide to bring someone else, I won't influence it anymore. This is going on aside at the moment, I'm trying to concentrate on the national team now. I leave the rest out of my head.

"I am mentally set for the national team. However, I am aware of various noises. Team-mates do ask me about it, agents call me. Yes, there is some truth to that. There was something true about that last year as well. But you see, I stayed at Newcastle United," explained Dúbravka at the media briefing."