Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has showered Djordje Petrovic with huge praise for his recent form.
Djordje Petrovic, 24, has stepped into the role of Chelsea’s starting goalkeeper in recent games since the injury to Robert Sanchez.
Petrovic, who only cost the Blues a £14m transfer fee (Sky Sports) last summer from MLS club New England Revolution, is impressing during his first season in English football.
The Serbian shot-stopper now has four clean sheets in 11 Chelsea appearances, including in last night’s 0-0 draw against Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round.
He made a couple of vital saves to earn the Blues a cup replay at Villa Park.
Speaking yesterday after Chelsea’s goalless draw at home to Villa, Mauricio Pochettino did single out his keeper in-between the sticks.
When asked about Petrovic in the post-match interview, Pochettino said via Football.London: “He’s doing fantastic. I think we need to give full credit because he arrived this season at Chelsea from the MLS. He’s really young and he’s performing well. I think the way he is behaving in the goal, it shows his quality and his character is amazing. I think he’s doing an amazing job.”
Mauricio Pochettino super impressed by Djordje Petrovic
We were a little anxious about Petrovic’s introduction to the side given his lack of experience at the elite level, but it’s looked relatively easy for him adapting to football in England.
In fairness, we now think he’s built up quite a compelling case to suggest he should move forward as the permanent No 1 ahead of Sanchez.
Petrovic carries a real confident aura at the back and he never does anything too flashy, the sign of a top keeper. The 24-year-old is improving with his ball-playing qualities, too.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed via X last month that Chelsea are very happy right now with Petrovic. He’s put together a mini purple patch of form since as well.
It looks like this is one of the few Chelsea transfers under this ownership that you can confidently put in he success category.
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