Radek Vitek has reached a new high at Bristol City after getting the ultimate compliment from new manager Roy Hodgson.
Bristol City recently appointed Roy Hodgson after Gerhard Struber was sacked for a string of bad results.
None of this was down to Radek Vitek, who has been a constant rock at the back regardless of wins or losses in the Championship.
Now, after guiding Bristol City to a second win in his second game, Hodgson has given Vitek the ultimate compliment.
Radek Vitek of Bristol City reacts during the Sky Bet Championship match between Charlton Athletic and Bristol City at The Valley on April 03, 2026
Photo by Jasper Wax/Getty Images
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Bristol City's goalkeeper Radek Vitek during the Sky Bet Championship match between Coventry City and Bristol City at The Coventry Building Society Arena on December 13, 2025
Photo by Stephen White – CameraSport via Getty Images
Radek Vitek gets ultimate compliment from Roy Hodgson
Hodgson cut a bright figure after Bristol City’s 1-0 win against Sheffield United, which was powered by a brilliant performance by Vitek.
The manager changed, but Vitek’s form hasn’t. If anything, he’s taking his game to newer heights under a manager who personifies English football.
It’s why when Hodgson says you have all the traits of becoming a Premier League goalkeeper, it’s the ultimate compliment.
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That’s exactly what he said about Vitek after the 1-0 win over Sheffield, adding that he has all the tools to succeed at the highest level.
Hodgson said: “I have only watched our players for two games, so I have to be careful what I say, but from what I have seen, Radek has all the attributes to be a Premier League goalkeeper.
“You want your keeper to have a good physique, be a good shot-stopper, command his area when it comes to crosses, and have a powerful kick. To me, he fills all those requirements.”
Man Utd are monitoring Vitek closely
United face a pleasant headache in the summer, but a headache nonetheless, so rapid has been the rise of Vitek in a single season.
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Split image of Marcus Rashford in Barcelona jacket looking to the side and Harry Amass in Sheffield Wednesday kit looking to the side.
The endorsement from Hodgson after just two games just confirms what many Man Utd fans had been thinking all along, which is that Vitek is a special prospect.
Senne Lammens’ age means Vitek’s path to the first team at Old Trafford isn’t as simple anymore, but United are monitoring him closely.
Another loan, this time to a Premier League side, could beckon, so Vitek can be tested on whether he lives up to Hodgson’s expectations.
The worst-case scenario is if Vitek decides to cut the cord permanently, not seeing a path for himself at United, and goes on to become world-class elsewhere.
In either case, United simply can’t afford to leave all control over Vitek, be it in the form of a hefty sell-on clause or even a buy-back option.
He has “STAR” written all over him.
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