A summer of uncertainty for Universitatea Craiova‘s goalkeeper position has come to an end, with the signing of two new talent-filled keepers. However, despite the influx of fresh faces, the team looks set to stick with their tried and tested number one, Laurențiu Popescu.
Popescu’s Place Secure
Laurențiu Popescu’s impressive form at the back end of last season earned him the starting spot, and it seems unlikely that he will be relegated to the bench anytime soon. The 23-year-old’s performances earned him the respect of the fans and the coaching staff, and his presence will undoubtedly provide stability in goal.
The Young Gun: Alexandru Maxim
However, there is a young challenger waiting in the wings, Alexandru Maxim, a 19-year-old keeper who joins from FC Voluntari. The youngster has all the makings of a top goalkeeper, but for now, he will take on a reserve role, as the coaches look to give him valuable experience before throwing him into the fray.
Competition for Popescu’s Spot
The competition for the number one spot is not without its merits, however. Răzvan Sava, a 23-year-old keeper, joins the club on loan with an option to buy. His experience in the Romanian top-flight will undoubtedly make him a formidable opponent for Popescu. The two will be rotated in and out of the starting lineup, with the coaching staff keen to keep both keepers happy and sharp.
Isenko’s Comeback
The recent signing of two new keepers has sparked some debate about the future of Pavlo Isenko, who has been struggling to recover from a serious ligament injury. The Ukrainian keeper underwent surgery in March and has been working hard to regain his fitness. However, it’s unlikely that he will be back in the starting lineup anytime soon, and his comeback is expected to be a gradual one.
The signing of two new keepers has certainly added some much-needed depth to the squad, and with the Champions League and domestic league campaigns set to kick off, the coaching staff will be keen to give their new signings some game time. However, it’s clear that Laurențiu Popescu is the first choice, and the young challengers will have to bide their time before they can stake their claim for the number one spot.
Universitatea Craiova will be looking to build on their recent success, and the signing of these two keepers will undoubtedly give them a boost in their quest for European glory.