Matija Nastasic can become a more complete defender than the Premier League’s best, Nemanja Vidic, according to former Manchester City boss Kevin Keegan.
Nastasic joined City in the summer from Fiorentina and has impressed throughout the season, replacing title-winner Joleon Lescott as Vincent Kompany’s regular defensive partner.
And Keegan believes the 20-year-old can overtake fellow Serb defender – and Manchester United captain – Vidic as the Premier League’s top centre-back.
“I really like him,” said Keegan. “In five or six years time you could see him developing into a Vidic.
“He could become even bigger than Vidic, who has probably been the best centre half in this country for the last five or six years.”
Nastasic made his City debut against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu and has continued to be selected for important games throughout the campaign.
And Keegan believes manager Roberto Mancini’s faith in Nastasic is a good indicator of his quality, but he will be tested even more next season.
“He has come in and played as if he has been there forever,” he said.
“That Mancini put him in for his debut against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu tells you everything you need to know about him.
“The big test will come next season when people have had a good look at him.
“They will try and find out what he is not good at and where his weaknesses are. I haven’t seen too many at the moment.”
Nastasic’s next big test comes in the shape of Chelsea, as City prepare to meet Rafa Benitez’s side at Wembley in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final.
Image courtesy of mcfcofficial, via YouTube, with thanks.
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