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In demand Bayer Leverkusen coach, Xabi Alonso, has waxed lyrical on the progress of former Manchester United goalkeeper, Matej Kovar.
The Czech player spent four seasons at United, representing the academy at different levels.
The 23 year old enjoyed a highly successful loan at Sparta Prague last year, where he was named the best keeper in the division.
Kovar did represent United in their first pre-season game against Leeds United but was left out of the club’s summer tour of the United States of America as he was expected to depart the club, which he eventually did, leaving for Bayer Leverkusen in August.
He has not managed to make himself the number one option at the runaway Bundesliga leaders, but he has proved able backup for Alonso’s side and has played a key role in Leverkusen’s run to the German cup final and also the quarter finals of the Europa League.
So far, he has played 12 senior games and will look to keep his place between the sticks against West Ham this coming Thursday.
The Leverkusen boss has lavished praise on the former United man and whilst speaking to Kicker has claimed, “he’s complete, he’s intelligent, he’s good with his feet, even better in goal. We have to help him develop for the future”.
“He showed last season and also in the preparation at Manchester United that he is at a high level. He was ready from the start, trained well and in Cup and also the Europa League showed that he is a good option. He deserves to keep this position”.
Kovar’s remarkable progress this season has also been noted by his national team, as his fine work was rewarded with his first appearance for the Czech Republic senior side in a friendly against Armenia.
Moreover, with Leverkusen’s Bundesliga keeper, Lukas Hradecky, being 34 years old, there is a clear pathway for Kovar to take over the gloves full time rather than deputising in the cup competitions as he is now.
With the expensive purchase of Andre Onana in the summer and the signing of Altay Bayindir, it was clear that the 23 year old was not in Ten Hag’s plans.
Interestingly, in a recent interview, the former academy player did not rule out a return to Old Trafford in the future as he claimed that the club was “still in his heart“.
Moreover the presence of a buy-back option in the deal that sent him to Germany could certainly aid United if they ever wish to welcome him back to the Theatre of Dreams.
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