Djordje Petrovic Has "All The Tools" To Play In the English Premier League
Kevin Hitchcock: "He’s got all the tools and as long as he keeps always improving, he will get there."
The MLS All-Star Game could be a special affair for New England Revolution fans, as their current goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic might stand opposite their former goalkeeper Matt Turner.
One man with a unique vantage point is Revs goalkeeper coach Kevin Hitchcock, who has worked with both players.
Petrovic was selected for Wednesday’s game between MLS and Arsenal by All-Star coach Wayne Rooney.
It was an easy decision to make when you consider that the 23-year-old leads MLS in saves (195) since his debut on Jun. 12, 2022. During that time, he’s collected 13 MLS shutouts, including six in 2023.
“I think it’s really exciting for him,” Kevin Hitchcock told The Blazing Musket. “He’s had a fantastic time since he’s come into this environment. He’s getting better and better every week. His performances show how good he is in standing with the other keepers in this league and he deserves all the credit.”
Petrovic joined the Revs from FK Čukarički in native Serbia. He quickly became the talk of MLS and was a finalist for the 2022 Goalkeeper of the Year Award. This year he’s once again considered a frontrunner for the distinction.
So what makes Petrovic so special? It’s actually similar to what makes his predecessor a standout talent.
“I’m a big believer in plyometric jumping and I see the power that [Petrovic and Turner] have and the ability to use it in the right situation,” Hitchcock said. “It just gives them that little bit extra to make these big saves. That’s the difference.”
Turner is currently with Arsenal, as he traded Foxboro for London in June 2022. While Turner has cemented himself as the No. 1 for the USMNT, he’s been the second at the club level, playing behind Aaron Ramsdale.
There are questions about whether Turner should head elsewhere. Hitchcock understands this idea but notes that it’s not as easy as it seems. After all, Turner has a contract that he has to honor.
“Arsenal aren’t just going to let him go because if anything happens to Ramsdale, Matt’s next in line and he will get there and he will keep his place,” Hitchcock remarked. “So it’s not as simple as saying, ‘Oh, you ought to leave.’ It’s not that simple.
“He’s gone to Arsenal. He’s obviously improving as he’s getting every week different trainings and working with better players. So, he’s got to be patient, bide his time, and his time will come.”
Of course, rumors are circulating that Petrovic could one day end up in the English Premier League as the netminder is attracting interest throughout Europe.
While we don’t know when Petrovic will make the jump, Hitchcock believes that it could happen.
“Well, I always said when I first came to this club, Matt Turner could play in the Premier League. I don’t see any difference in Djordje,” Hitchcock explained. “He’s good enough, he’s got all the tools, and as long as he keeps always improving, he will get there."
So what does a goalkeeping coach root for when he’s got connections to a goalkeeper on each team? If Hitchcock’s dream scenario comes true, there won’t be a lot of goals at the MLS All-Star Game.
“Let’s have a nil-nil draw,” Hitchcock said. “Go to penalties and they both make two penalty saves each and then I’ve done my job.”
He definitely has the talent! I think Everton and Bournemouth could use an upgrade at keeper.