Ranking Newcastle's Dutchmen From The Premier League Era

2) Tim Krul

Signed from ADO Den Haag in 2006 as a hot prospect, Krul made his debut away at Palermo in the UEFA Cup and immediately wowed supporters with his shot-stopping abilities. After stints at Falkirk and Carlisle United to gain experience, Krul made the goalkeeper spot his own during the 2010-11 season. Since then, the Dutchman has rarely had to look back, keeping Steve Harper and Rob Elliot out of the team and Fraser Forster deciding to leave rather than sit behind the agile giant. With 176 appearances already under his belt and not long 27 years old, there is little to suggest he couldn't be Newcastle's goalkeeper beyond the foreseeable future (aside from the fact he may decide he fancies pastures new at some point). Krul certainly still has weaknesses - namely his kicking and his command of the area at times - but has he proven to be a good overall replacement for Shay Given over the last five years and has been linked to some of Europe's top sides in that time. Now one of the more-senior players at the club, he should be a key part of Steve McClaren's thoughts going forward and needs to bounce back after a comparatively sub-par couple of seasons (albeit behind an abysmal defence). Krul fits in well at the club, still holds the affections of the crowd and as the shot-stopper gets closer to the traditional peak age for goalkeepers, there is still hope that the big Dutchman can improve further yet.