If you want an example of how fast things can move in football, look no further than a former Manchester United youngster who, just two years ago, was plying his trade in the third tier of English football.
In fact, two years ago this week, the former Red Devils prospect was part of the Burton Albion team who drew 0-0 away at Accrington Stanley in a League One clash absolutely no one will remember with much fondness.
12 months later, Matej Kovar picked up both the Czech league title during another loan spell, this time at Sparta Prague. He was also named the division’s Goalkeeper of the Year. And, after swapping Manchester United for Bayer Leverkusen last summer, Kovar now finds himself just five games away from a treble.
Those chilly nights at Crewe, Shrewsbury and Fleetwood must feel like lightyears ago.
Former Manchester United man on verge of treble
Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen – still unbeaten across all competitions – secured the first Bundesliga crown in their entire history in fitting style on Sunday, battering Werder Bremen 5-0.
Now, Kovar has spent much of the league season sat on the bench behind Lukas Hradecky. But his role as Leverkusen’s ‘cup keeper’, however, means that, if Alonso’s remarkable side do add the Europa League and the DFB Pokal to their collection, Kovar will have played a central role in one of the greatest seasons ever enjoyed by any team in the continent’s ‘top five’ leagues.
“It’s a dream come true for me,” beams Kovar, the £8 million glovesman who kept a clean sheet in last week’s 2-0 Europa League quarter-final first-leg victory over West Ham (Sport). “I am very happy to be here. The fact that I play at such a level…
“Two years ago, (when I was at Burton Albion) I couldn’t even dream of this. It makes me very happy. And I hope that I have many more beautiful experiences ahead of me.”
Two league wins in two years for Matej Kovar
For Kovar, who made way shortly after United signed Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir, the best could still be yet to come.
Leverkusen already have one foot in the Europa semis, and are clear favourites to claim the domestic cup with second-tier Kaiserslautern awaiting in the final.
And, with an impressive return of six clean sheets in 11 appearances so far, Kovar is more than justifying Alonso’s faith, the World Cup winner impressed not only with his reflexes but also the kind of ball-playing talents that makes the 23-year-old a modern manager’s dream.
“He’s complete,” Alonso tells Kicker. “He’s intelligent, he’s good with his feet, even better in goal. We have to help him develop for the future.
“He showed last season and also in the preparation at Manchester United that he is at a high level. He was ready from the start, trained well and in Cup and also the Europa League showed that he is a good option. He deserves to keep this position.”
Interestingly, United are understood to have inserted a buy-back clause into Kovar’s contract. Not that the youngster is looking that far ahead, however, even if United do still retain a special place in his heart.
“No, I have not (had any contact with United),” Kovar, who hopes to be part of the Czech Republic’s plans for Euro 2024, tells Sport. “It is important for me to start playing regularly and establish a position in Leverkusen. Then, we will see what happens in the future.”
“I spent many years at the clubs. United are going through a difficult season. The results are like a merry-go-round. But it’s a big and great club, I hope it gets back to the top.”
