Diveev Praises Safonov's Progress At PSG

In an exclusive interview, Igor Diveev, the defender for CSKA Moscow and the Russian national team, expressed his admiration for the progress of Matvey Safonov, the Russian goalkeeper currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Diveev has been closely following Safonov's career since his move to France from FC Krasnodar on June 14, 2024, and he is optimistic about his future with the club.

"For Motya, I think this is a huge experience," Diveev stated. "Plus, I’ve seen how he has started speaking French and improving in his gameplay. It’s clear that he has matured. This is a completely different Motya. The Russian version and the French version are completely different. He has improved a lot with his feet. He was always good at exits, but now he plays much better with his feet. I remember when we played together, I always told him, ‘Motya, how can you not kick further than the center?’ He would reply, ‘I’m kicking, I’m kicking, I just can’t reach it.’ But now he kicks like Ederson, reaching 90 meters! Motya has really improved, and I always try to watch the matches he plays in. I don’t often watch PSG, but I always tune in to see Motya. We all understand what level PSG is at. We are very happy for Motya. I hope that in a year, he will be the main goalkeeper already. Of course, everyone makes mistakes. Even Donnarumma sometimes makes errors. But Motya… I watched him against Bayern when a goal was scored because of his exit. But the saves he made in that game were incredible!"

Diveev’s comments highlight the significant strides Safonov has made since joining PSG. In his first season with the club, Safonov played 14 matches across all tournaments, conceding 10 goals and managing to keep a clean sheet in six of those games. His ability to adapt quickly to the high-pressure environment of PSG has impressed many, including his former teammates.

As Diveev continues to follow Safonov's journey, he also keeps an eye on fellow Russian international Alexander Golovin, who has been playing for AS Monaco since 2018. Diveev noted, "I also try to watch Golovin; I don’t watch Monaco that often, but I’m glad to see he has recovered well after a minor injury."

The camaraderie among Russian players abroad is evident in Diveev’s remarks. He emphasizes the importance of supporting each other as they navigate their careers in European leagues. "We root for our guys; they are doing great," Diveev added, showcasing the unity among Russian footballers.

Looking ahead, Diveev is hopeful that Safonov will solidify his place as PSG’s starting goalkeeper by April 2026. With his current trajectory, it seems that Safonov is well on his way to achieving that goal. As fans and analysts alike continue to monitor his performance, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on this promising talent.

In conclusion, Igor Diveev’s confidence in Matvey Safonov’s abilities reflects a broader optimism about the future of Russian football on the international stage. With Safonov’s development and potential, the football community is eager to see how he will continue to evolve in one of the world’s most prestigious clubs.