Matej Kovar is being tipped to start for the Czech Republic at Euro 2024 just one year after leaving Premier League giants Manchester United for Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen.
Considering that the 23-year-old glovesman is yet to make his senior international debut, and remains second-choice at the Bay Arena, Radek Snozik’s comments will likely raise a few eyebrows.
But the former Fortuna Liga captain remains convinced that Matej Kovar will establish himself as his country’s number one before the Czech Republic begin their European Championship campaign against Portugal on June 18th, insisting that the Manchester United academy graduate is simply the most talented of the current Czech crop.
Manchester United sold Matej Kovar to Bayer Leverkusen
“For me, Matej Kovar will look the best (of all the Czech goalkeepers). Sure, he doesn’t play regularly. But he is getting a chance in the European competition, which I don’t think is bad at all,” Snozik tells iSport.
“In terms of prospects for the Euros, I can see (a starting place for) Kovar.”
Kovar, who joined Leverkusen for around £8 million despite catching the eye for Man United in pre-season, has played only once in the Bundesliga so far. Opportunities have been frequent in cup competitions, however, while Kovar can point to an outstanding loan spell at Sparta Prague as proof of his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations.
The former Swindon Town and Burton Albion man won not only the Czech top-flight at Sparta in 2023 but also the division’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.
‘He’s simply a good goalkeeper’
“He went through a quality training process (at Sparta), won the title and convinced (everyone) that he is a quality goalkeeper. Leverkusen would not have signed him otherwise. They took him to be number one in the future,” Snozik adds.
“Coach Xabi Alonso believes in him. In my opinion, they are purposefully preparing Kovy so that he will soon occupy the position of number one. When that happens, he will definitely get into that role in the national team as well. But I wouldn’t be afraid of (starting him) now either.
“He is simply a good goalkeeper. He’s complete, he’s had a year at Manchester United. And, if you’re training alongside players like (Cristiano) Ronaldo or David De Gea, it’s going to improve you.
“He is calm, has a good head, can pass and can catch. He can handle tough matches under pressure, as he showed in Sparta.”
“I see him as number one (for the Czech Republic).”
One current Manchester United goalkeeper is also hoping to secure a starting spot for his country before the Euros kick off in Germany, with Altay Bayindir battling hard for the number one shirt in the Turkish camp.