Russian football coach Yuri Semin does not believe Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov will be named the best goalkeeper of the year by France Football.
Safonov has been included in the shortlist for the award covering the previous season, placing the 27-year-old among the leading goalkeepers in the world.
However, Semin said the nomination itself represented a significant achievement for both Safonov and Russian football.
“It is already a serious accomplishment for Safonov himself and for Russian football,” the experienced coach said.
Safonov has made seven appearances for Paris Saint-Germain in all competitions during the new season. He has conceded nine goals and kept one clean sheet.
The goalkeeper’s nomination comes ahead of the ceremony for the Ballon d’Or and other awards, which will take place on 26 October.