Newcastle United and Slovakia goalkeeper Martin Dubravka feels that Inter defender Milan Skriniar is a leader in the national team and that his presence will be missed during the international break.
Speaking in a press conference, as reported by FCInterNews, the 34-year-old explained that the team will have to find ways to work with a player who has grown into a real leader within their squad given that the Nerazzurri defender will be out injured.
Skriniar inherited the captain’s armband for his national team last year following the retirement of legendary former Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik from international duty.
This was a reflection of not just the 28-year-old’s quality on the pitch, but also of his leadership qualities.
The Slovakian team will be without their leader due to the fact that Skriniar is currently recovering from a back injury which has caused him to miss out on the Nerazzurri’s last four league matches.
“We knew that there was a possibility that he’d have to miss out through injury,” Dubravka said.
“He’s a leader for us on the pitch, but there will be others who can step up in his place,” the goalkeeper added.
