- Bristol City coach says Manchester United loanee is ready for the Premier League
- The goalkeeper has impressed in the Championship
- But will he want to play back-up keeper?
Roy Hodgson believes Manchester United loanee goalkeeper Radek Vitek has “all the attributes to be a Premier League goalkeeper” after overseeing maximum points from his first two games as interim head coach at Bristol City.
Hodgson retook the reins at the Robins just under 44 years after his previous spell in April 1982, and he has started close to perfectly.
A 2–1 win over Charlton Athletic marked a remarkable stat—the longest gap between two wins for Hodgson at the same English club, 44 years and 35 days at Bristol City—and he followed it with a 1–0 win against Sheffield United.
He now sits just one win short of his total from that 1982 stint, when he managed 21 games.
Is Vitek ready?
Hodgson gave a glowing verdict of Vitek after overseeing Bristol City’s 1-0 win over Sheffield United. He told reporters:
“I have only watched our players for two games so I have to be careful what I say, but from what I have seen Radek has all the attributes to be a Premier League goalkeeper,”
Hodgson added:
“You want your keeper to have a good physique, be a good shot-stopper, command his area when it comes to crosses and have a powerful kick. To me, he fills all those requirements.“
Vitek has enjoyed a fine season at Ashton Gate, where he’s been number one for the Robins. He’s made 36 appearances across competitions, keeping 10 clean sheets.
Vitek to be Lammens’ Backup?
Whilst many United fans will want Vitek to be slotting in as backup to Senne Lammens next season, he has already said that he does not want to be playing second fiddle.
“I came here to play a few games at the start because the number one [Max O’Leary] was injured.”
He added:
“He had been here a long time, so it was difficult to keep the shirt, but in the back of my mind I always wanted to stay here and play the whole season. That was my goal.“
Vitek’s loan runs until the end of the season, but he does not want a bit-part role
“At this stage in my career, I want to play as many games as possible. I wouldn’t benefit from sitting on the bench.”
As a result, the situation mirrors Dean Henderson’s stint at Manchester United. The English goalkeeper went out on five separate loans across the Premier League and lower tiers, making just 29 appearances in 12 years at Old Trafford.
Unwilling to play backup to David de Gea, Henderson engineered a move to Crystal Palace, where he lifted the FA Cup last season.
United’s board will hope Vitek avoids the same fate, as they look to establish him firmly as the club’s number two. Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir look set to leave in the summer, paving the way for Czech goalkeeper to return as Lammens’ understudy.
