Aberdeen stopper Dimitar Mitov reckons Duk‘s celebrations after making a goal line block right at the death in last weekend’s comeback draw against Celtic epitomise the spirit and togetherness Jimmy Thelin has at his disposal.
The Dons stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to 14 matches by coming back from 2-0 down to claim a priceless point, and will have the chance to go top of the Premiership tonight with a win against Dundee United in front of a sold-out Pittodrie before the Hoops take on Motherwell at Fir Park. Bulgaria international Mitov said: “We would have been very disappointed if we had conceded and lost the game. But it came from the desire from the boys to keep it out of the net.
“Duk is an attacking player so for him to make a save on the goal line shows his character in fighting for the team to do well. It’s amazing to see and I was really happy for him.
“That shows the character of the boy. I never knew him before coming to Aberdeen but he comes in every day ready to fight for his team and he shows that with his performances on the pitch.
“He set up the goal in the Hearts victory and cleared it off the line against Celtic. It shows you his desire to do well for this football club. But I think that comes from the manager because he has put his stamp into everyone fighting for each other and that no one is more important. It’s really good to see.
“He (Duk) has came back and has had to work hard. But he has done that and everybody can see that he works his socks off, and that is the only thing you can ask for.
“Duk is a really good player. I have played against him and know how difficult that is. He is a really important member of our squad and I would rather much have him in our team with his physical attributes in the air and being able to set up and score goals.”
Former St Johnstone keeper Mitov has also credited boss Thelin for his leadership on and off the park amid the Reds’ remarkable start to the campaign. “The manager has been unbelievable”, he added. “It’s just his understanding and coaching of the game, but his management as he makes sure he speaks individually with every player.
““I think that is really important because every player in our team wants to be in the starting XI because they are good footballers. Players understand that only 11 can play but no one is dropping their heads and they are ready to be called up.
“The manager has made changes in every game, sometimes at half time or after 60 mins depending on how the game goes. Every time someone has came off the bench they have made an impact, whether that’s Shayden (Morris), Duk, or Vinny (Besuijjen). I can go through the whole team.
“Everyone comes on and puts in a shift for the team and I think that goes a long way. It will be really important having that healthy squad for the whole season.”
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