Former European Cup winner Brian Clough always believed "a team is built from the back - starting with the goalkeeper", and in Peter Shilton he had the best in the world.
Now I'm not saying Tim Krul is the best in the world, not even the best in Holland, but he is a vital cog in Pardew's defence.
And we hear tonight United are sweating on the fitness of the goalkeeper ahead of Saturday’s visit to Upton Park.
Krul suffered a training ground injury today, and is receiving treatment, although Pardew refused to say he was ruled out of Saturday's game.
Rob Elliot, yet to start a Premier League game this season, has been put on standby by.