Bristol City manager Lee Johnson has compared Filip Benkovic to Brighton and Hove Albion’s Adam Webster after his display against Derby County, Bristol Post report.
Benkovic was heavily linked with a move to Derby County in January (Telegraph).
(Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images).
The Croatian defender, however, ended up joining Bristol City. To rub salt into the wounds, Benkovic scored past Derby in Wednesday’s 3-2 win over the Rams at Ashton Gate.
Speaking to reporters, Johnson feels he shares similarities with Brighton’s Webster.
I might have Brendan Rodgers on the phone asking me what I’m doing when I’m playing him up front!” Benkovic looked very assured and, in possession, he’s probably as close as you can get to Webster.
Bristol City have missed Webster this season following his move to Brighton.
The former Ipswich Town central defender traded the Robins for the Seagulls last summer for club record £20 million fee (BBC).
Webster, 25, has since made 20 Premier League starts for Brighton.
Benkovic joining Bristol City will make Lee Johnson’s side more comfortable in possession. The Croatian posted a 97.3% pass-accuracy rate against Derby.
It’s understandable why the Rams wanted to sign him. Manager Phillip Cocu wants his Derby side to play out from the back, but they lack the personnel to do so effectively.
(Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images).
Aside from his excellent passing range, Benkovic is also excellent in the air. All of City’s goals against Derby came via crosses which has been a major weakness this season.
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