Dimitrievski, a number one earned on merit | OneFootball

Stole Dimitrievski will be Valencia’s first-choice for the rest of the season, his form and Julen Agirrezabala’s injury ending debate. He will start the final 12 LaLiga games.

According to Superdeporte, he nailed down the role even before Agirrezabala’s meniscus injury.

Dimitrievski has conceded nine in eight league outings, an average of 1.1, with 16 saves. His clean sheets have come in wins over Getafe, Levante and Osasuna, the last a 1-0.

His start at Valencia was rocky. Planned as starter for 24/25, he slipped to the bench when Giorgi Mamardashvili stayed. After four games he was dropped following defeat to Real Madrid.

Flashpoint came on the final day at the Villamarín when Mamardashvili again started and the coach signalled he wanted another keeper, later Agirrezabala. He says that omission cost him a 300,000 euros bonus linked to 10 appearances, as he finished on nine.

He then alleged Agirrezabala was playing by contract. He apologised to coach and squad and was fined under the internal code. Corberán rejected the claim and drew a line under it.

He returned in the Copa and saved an 89th-minute penalty against Cartagena. Early in January, Agirrezabala’s muscle injury opened the door as Valencia flirted with the drop and calls for Corberán to resign began.

His response since has been faultless. He has reset his role, with or without Julen, and perhaps his future. The club holds an option to extend a deal running to June 2026.

Source: Superdeporte