Top Marko for Gustavo as City signings praised
COVENTRY City shot-stopper Marko Marosi says he has been impressed with all six new signings at Sky Blues this summer – but one has stood out more than any other.
Dutch-brazilian midfielder Gustavo Hamer has stunned his teammates on the training pitch in the build-up to the new season, as well as putting in impressive performances against Swindon Town and Rangers.
City fell to back-to-back defeats in those two games but were buoyed by their performances away from home.
And Mark Robins’ players have taken a particular shine to young Hamer, 23, during his early weeks.
“Gustavo is unbelievable,” he told Sky Blues Extra podcast. “He is a funny guy as well and a great character.
“All of them have been great to be fair, it is nice to have Callum [O’hare] and [Ryan] Giles back. They’re nice, old faces.
“We were texting Callum throughout lockdown, all of us, asking him when he was coming back so it was very exciting to see that happen, and it was a big statement by the club.”
Giles and O’hare have been amongst Coventry’s star performers during pre-season, but the club’s youngsters have also been thrust into the limelight.
Declan Drysdale was incredible away at Rangers, stopping endless efforts on target with vital blocks, before Will Bapaga stole the show away at Swindon Town.
“Declan [Drysdale] was like Sergio Ramos [against Rangers]. I told him after the game that he reminded me of Ramos, and he did. He was unbelievable and he has the hair to go with it as well,” Marosi continued.
“Some of the younger lads have held their own against some really good players, too. They have stepped up a level.
“I can 100 per cent see Declan breaking through [into the first team]. All of the young lads who have played in pre-season have held their own are have been really good.”
He added: “There are some really good young lads at this club, really good.”