Canizares backs Safonov after Simon claims goalkeeper award

Former Valencia and Spain goalkeeper Santiago Canizares has described Matvey Safonov as “a good goalkeeper” after the Russian finished fourth in the voting for the year’s best goalkeeper award.

The prize was won by Spain international Unai Simon, who represents Athletic Bilbao. Canizares gave his assessment in an exclusive comment to the online publication Euro-Football.Ru.

Safonov helped Paris Saint-Germain win the French championship last season, as well as a second successive Champions League trophy. Despite those achievements, he was placed fourth in the award vote.

Simon did not win any major club honour with Athletic Bilbao during the campaign. However, he became a world champion with Spain, a result that saw him finish ahead of Safonov and claim the individual award.