Our reserves/youth sides chances if they were entered into football league

I don't think you can conclusively say Krul is the better keeper currently after just a few games. Afterall I'm struggling to recall many bad games Harper has ever had for us! I think he earned the right to start the season. Harps was injured and he took his chance. Long term I see Krul being a better keeper than Harps has ever been, but I wouldn't jump the gun just yet because as a young keeper, experience tells me that Krul will have a rocky patch at some stage this season.

I think we found ourselves in the Joe Hart/Shay Given scenario. We had a young keeper who anybody can see is going to be among the very best, who was ready for first team football. We then had a very good PL goalkeeper (who has given years of loyal service) and barely put a foot wrong. If we didn't play Krul we'd have lost him. The club and manager have simply decided to take the rough with the smooth in order to retain the services of a great young keeper. Citeh did similar with Hart and having been backed through his little hiccups last season, he now looks solid as a rock.

 

only difference is Harps wont kick up a fuss and will stay loyal

 

True, probably due to the fact he's seen it all before! And at his age its not a lot of fun uprooting family and so on. Plus he has significant business interests in the area.

Shame he wasn't more ambitious for him personally, because he had the ability to be involved with England. Reading Harps interview the other day I think he believes a chance will come his way this year. It may but I suspect Pardew will want to show backing for his young keeper or it could set him back. I just hope the fans remember Kruls age when judging him if tough times come. I'd imagine Harps harbours hopes of getting into the coaching side of things because he'd be well suited.

 

Harper, for me, is a good keeper. He rarely/never makes a mistake. But he isn't capable of the sublime. Krul in my opinion is a keeper that will gain you points throughout the season due to making wonderful saves, such as Wolves last week. I rate him much higher than Harper. But that is just my opinion.

 

I know what you mean. As I say I think in time Krul will reach a level Harps, for all he is very good, couldn't reach. I'm just not convinced he's there yet. Harper for instance is still a better judge of crosses (although Krul took one against Wolves which suggests he is getting more confident) I think he is already a better shot stopper than Harps