Exclusive: Serbian star backs Petrovic to become a Chelsea goalkeeping great

BY ALESSANDRO SCHIAVONE

Serbia superstar Dusan Tadic claimed that his countryman Dorde Petrovic “definitely” has what it takes to continue the legacy of great goalkeepers at Chelsea – which includes Peter Bonetti, Ed de Goeij, Petr Cech and Thibaut Courtois.

Petrovic has more than held his own since filling in for the injured David Sanchez, leading Tadic to believe that the Spaniard’s return from a knee injury won’t unseat him.

Despite Sanchez being passed fit to play against Brentford and Newcastle, Blues managed Mauricio Pochettino has continued to give Petrovic the nod.

And for Tadic, who is now at Fenerbahce in Turkey and had a stint with Southampton in England, he’s not where he is by accident.

He told the South London Press: “Dorde is a great goalkeeper and a great talent and it’s very nice to see him play for Chelsea.

“I saw immediately in training what a great goalkeeper he is.

“He’s [also] a very good guy and professional.

“Actually I am not surprised [to see him play at Chelsea] because in the past we were also looking at him for Ajax.

“And I remember they asked me about him.

“He was on the list of all the top clubs and if he’s Chelsea number one now is no coincidence.

“I think he can keep his place [following Sanchez’s return] because once goalkeepers take their chance they don’t give it away to nobody.

“I trust him, he’ll do that. He’s the future of Chelsea.”

Tadic also added that he’s “a top candidate” to defend Serbia’s goal at Euro 2024 although they are spoiled for choice between the sticks.

He said: “Milinkovic-Savic did very well, we have Dorde, we have Svilar and Rajkovic, so many good goalkeepers.

“It’s nice for Serbia to have more and more options.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD