Top-star comparison, Kovac raves about BVB gem Gadou | OneFootball

After the transfer of Joane Gadou, Niko Kovac is already full of praise. The BVB coach even compares the new center-back to an international top star.

Borussia Dortmund can apparently look forward to a real defensive talent. After signing Joane Gadou, BVB head coach Niko Kovac could hardly hide his excitement at the press conference ahead of the Bundesliga match away to Werder Bremen — and in doing so made a remarkable comparison.

The 19-year-old center-back joins Dortmund from RB Salzburg and is expected to play an important role in defense in the future. Kovac is particularly impressed by the Frenchman’s physical attributes. “A player who brings enormous physicality and, at 1.95 meters, is very fast,” said the Dortmund coach about his new signing.

Kovac then surprised everyone with a comparison to a former player of his: “In terms of speed, stature, the whole package, he reminds me of Micky van de Ven.” Kovac had already coached and played a key role in developing the now-Tottenham professional during his time at VfL Wolfsburg. The Dutchman subsequently developed into an international top defender.

Kovac sees huge potential in BVB gem Gadou

The BVB coach clearly believes Gadou is capable of a lot as well. The trainer is particularly impressed by his qualities in modern build-up play. “With him, we’re definitely getting a player who gives us something new there,” Kovac explained. The youngster’s dynamism and dribbling ability in particular could give BVB additional options in the future.

Photo: IMAGO

The French youth international had already drawn attention with some fighting words beforehand. “I love defending. I can defend, always, always,” Gadou said in his first interview as a Dortmund player. He names PSG captain Marquinhos as his role model and describes his mentality in clear terms: “When I’m on the pitch, the goal is my house too.”

Despite all the early praise, Kovac also tried to temper the excitement a little. The coach pointed out that the step from Austria to the Bundesliga is a challenge for a young player. “We expect a lot from him, but he’s still young. And the Bundesliga is again something different from the Austrian Bundesliga.” Nevertheless, he said he is convinced that Gadou “will help BVB very quickly.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.