---
title: "Alex McLeish Hails Everton Signing Asmir Begovic"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/alex-mcleish-hails-everton-signing-asmir-begovic/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Alex Jones"
section: "Everton News"
published: "2021-07-28T05:03:00Z"
modified: "2021-07-28T05:03:00Z"
---

# Alex McLeish Hails Everton Signing Asmir Begovic

Former Scotland boss Alex McLeish has praised[Everton](https://readeverton.com/2021/07/26/virals-tim-howard-singles-out-everton-keeper-asmir-begovic/) for their signing of Asmir Begovic, hailing the experienced shot-stopper as a ‘safe pair of hands’.

Recruiting a backup goalkeeper to deputise for England no. 1 Jordan Pickford was a key transfer objective that has been fulfilled following the expiration of Robin Olsen’s loan spell.

Begovic joined the club on an [initial 12-month deal,](https://www.evertonfc.com/news/2193899/everton-complete-begovic-signing) with the club retaining the option to extend Begovic’s deal by a further year.

His pre-season debut in an Everton shirt got off to a flying start following a series of penalty shootout heroics, including a match-winning save and a well-struck spot kick of his own.

McLeish insisted that Everton have recruited a top-quality backup goalkeeper with experience reading the game masterfully.

Speaking to [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/ex-manager-makes-amazing-claim-after-begovic-news-at-everton/), the ex-tactician hailed the acquisition of Begovic:

> “It’s that strategy of getting a number two who knows his way about the Premier League penalty boxes,” McLeish declared.

> “That’s not from a striker’s perspective, that’s from the perspective of saving it. He knows the game inside out position-wise.

> “It’s amazing these older boys are getting this wee niche. It’s become a bit of par for the course over the last 10, 15 years.

> “Some goalkeepers have come in and never really even played a game for the two years of a contract or whatever.

> “If you’re called upon, you know you’re talking about safe pair of hands coming in.”

### Read Everton Verdict

With [252 Premier League appearances](https://www.footballinsider247.com/ex-manager-makes-amazing-claim-after-begovic-news-at-everton/)to his name, Begovic far from a novice between the posts.

His heroics will habilitate him into the hearts of the Everton faithful and will go a long way in persuading fans he can step up to the goalkeeping mantle if called upon.

> Twitter: Saving penalties. Scoring penalties\
> ![?](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/13.1.0/svg/1f91d.svg)\
> Asmir Begovic… https://t.co/XSaNTG7PPe (@Everton)

In a similar manner to how Olsen challenged Pickford for starts, Begovic will be hoping to retain a similar capacity.