The Dutchman is far superior to Karl Darlow (who did little to impress during pre-season) and Rob Elliot. The 27-year-old was reported to be pining for a move away from the club earlier this summer, alongside Papiss Cisse, Cheick Tiote and Moussa Sissoko. None of the aforementioned players have yet left Tyneside and it seems their No 1 shot-stopper is now happy with his role. Linked with the vacant captaincy position before it was handed back to Fabricio Coloccini, Krul is becoming a very important senior figure in the side and a player that the club should do everything in their power to keep.