Croatia’s hero at the World Cup to this point has been none other than their goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
The Dinamo Zagreb stopper followed three ridiculous penalty saves in their last 16 shootout victory against Japan with another match-winning performance against Brazil.
He thwarted every threat the Selecao could throw at him in both normal and extra time – Neymar golazo aside – and then repeated the trick during penalties with a smart save down low on Rodrygo’s opening spot-kick.
The 27-year-old has spent his entire career in the Croatian domestic leagues so far, originally for NK Zagreb before moving to Dinamo. However, it is clear after this World Cup that he could play at a much higher level and belongs in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
Which clubs should be in for Livakovic? Well, almost anyone that requires a starting goalkeeper. Here are some of the teams who should be looking at him very, very closely.
Harry Symeou hosts Andy Headspeath, Quentin Gesp and Jack Gallagher to look back on the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia – join us!
If you can’t see the podcast embed, click here to download or listen to the episode in full!
For what it’s worth, Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn has already ruled this one out, but given Manuel Neuer has broken his leg in a post-World Cup skiing accident – that’s one way to talk your mind off group stage elimination, Manuel – it would have made a whole lot of sense.
Bayern would have nabbed a quality starting goalkeeper for the remainder of the season, then an extremely competent backup and cup goalkeeper once Neuer returns from injury. The Bayern captain will be 37 come the start of the 23/24 Bundesliga campaign and, although Neuer wouldn’t like it, transitioning to a long-term replacement would be sensible.
Livakovic, at 27, would have been both an excellent stopgap and then eventual successor to the goalkeeping mantle in Bavaria, with his prime years still coming up.
There’s still time to change your mind, Oli.
With Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy currently vying for the position, Chelsea could do worse than look at Livakovic as a long-term solution to their goalkeeping woes.
Although Kepa has improved this season and is capable with the ball at the feet, he probably isn’t the man Potter wants as his future number one. Mendy’s form, on the other hand, has cratered since winning the Africa Cup of Nations and Champions League last season – during which he was the best shot-stopper in both competitions.
Even during the…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at 90min EN…