AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori has said that French goalkeeper Mike Maignan makes the whole team feel calmer about the game.
Speaking during an interview with CBS Sports (via Milan News) after the Champions League match against Napoli on Tuesday night, the English defender was full of praise for his goalkeeper.
He explained that there is a calming presence about the former Lille player and he brings valuable experience to every game.
“He really brings a lot of calm to the team. He’s a presence you can feel. Even off the pitch, he’s so professional. Every time we prepare for a game he’s there to discuss what we could or couldn’t do, always there to organise things and help. He is more than a goalkeeper,” Tomori began.
“He gives us so much when we are in possession, he allows us to get forward right away. And when he’s needed he’s always there, he makes great saves like last week on Di Lorenzo. He gives us great confidence, we can play high with the defence and be more aggressive.”
Maignan was responsible for a vital part of the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Napoli as he saved a penalty with around 10 minutes to play.
Had Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s shot gone in, Napoli would have been one goal away from taking the tie to extra-time when Stefano Pioli had already taken a number of key players off.
Milan are starting to get the wheels in motion for Maignan to extend his contract with the club as he is performing so well.
Saw a massive bromance last night. Tomori kept hugging Maignan at some point think he even kissed him… He’s already top 3 gk of the world (#1imao) after this season his price is gonna go way up. What a find he was