A giant of a man at six foot four, Matic has impressed so far in his career as a defensive midfielder with a good tackle rate and an aggressive style of play. Currently playing for Premier League side Manchester United, we take a look at some of the best quotes about Nemanja Matic.
Having started his career as an attacking midfielder, Matic first came to Chelsea in 2009, before moving on to Benfica and then having a longer spell again back at Chelsea.
Twice managed by Jose Mourinho in the Premier League, he won the Primeira League title with Benfica before a successful four-season stint with Chelsea saw him triumph with two Premier Leagues and one FA Cup.
Not a great scorer of goals, Matic reunitied with his former manager Mourinho at Manchester United in 2017 and promptly helped the club reach the FA Cup final that season. Twice named Serbian footballer of the year, Matic appeared in 48 internationals for the national team.
He competed for the team at the 2018 World Cup, before deciding to retire from the international arena two years later. A fan of former United star Roy Keane, Matic is in his fifth season at Old Trafford, but recently announced that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season.
“…..a specialist at breaking up play in front of the defence.” Andy Brassell (European football writer)
“At this moment, he is a giant, not for his size but for the way he plays.” Jose Mourinho
“…..his experience, professionalism and leadership…..great strength in midfield and Nemanja’s attributes are a key part of that.” Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Manchester United manager)
“…..best defensive midfielder in the world.” Jorge Jesus (Portuguese club football manager)
“…..has become a fantastic all-round midfielder.” Jose Mourinho
“…..he’s become such a hot property. He was as committed as ever….elegance and technique in bringing the ball forward.” Andy Brassell
“He represents everything we want in a footballer; loyalty, consistency, ambition, team player.” Jose Mourinho
“…..he’s been top class…..” Gary Cahill (player at Chelsea FC)
“His passing has been fantastic…. He constantly wins the ball back….He really does his bit defensively.” Alan Shearer
“He’s got a top mentality, he’s a top-class professional player….” Ralf Rangnick
“…..it’s not in one facet that Matic excels but in his range.” Jonathan Wilson (football journalist)
“Nemanja’s performances have been fantastic…..” Ole Gunnar Solskjaer