Dimitrievski's moment arrives as Agirrezabala injury hands Macedonian keeper Valencia lifeline
After months of frustration and a club fine, Stole Dimitrievski is set to return to Valencia's starting XI following Julen Agirrezabala's two-month injury layoff.
After spending most of his Valencia career warming the bench and causing the odd bit of controversy, Stole Dimitrievski is finally set to get his chance between the sticks following Julen Agirrezabala’s untimely injury.
Opportunity knocks
The Macedonian goalkeeper trained with the squad on January 6th and barring any last-minute setbacks, will start against Elche at Mestalla this Saturday evening. Dimitrievski has recovered just in time from an adductor muscle injury, with his return perfectly timed as Valencia confirmed Agirrezabala will be sidelined for nearly two months with a hamstring problem in his left leg.
This opportunity couldn’t come at a better moment for both Dimitrievski and Valencia, considering the club’s precarious position and the keeper’s tumultuous time in Valencia colors.
A rollercoaster ride
Dimitrievski’s Valencia career has been nothing short of a proper dog’s dinner since his arrival in summer 2024:
- Initially expected to be first-choice after Mamardashvili’s departure
- Found himself playing second fiddle to the Georgian before his Liverpool move
- Briefly got his chance when Mamardashvili was injured, only to be dropped again
- Requested to leave after Agirrezabala’s arrival on loan from Athletic Club
- Stayed put when no suitable offers materialized
The situation reached boiling point during an international break when Dimitrievski publicly complained about his situation, claiming there was “no competition” and that Agirrezabala “has to play no matter what.”
From fine to first-choice
Upon his return, manager Corberán couldn’t afford to lose his backup keeper and smoothed things over. Dimitrievski apologized to the dressing room and accepted a fine from the club for his comments.
He later proved his worth by saving Valencia from an embarrassing Copa del Rey exit against Cartagena, but then picked up an injury that kept him out of their next cup fixture against Sporting.
The Macedonian had been exploring exit options this January with several clubs interested, but Corberán was reluctant to let him leave without securing a quality replacement. Now, those plans are likely on ice as Dimitrievski prepares for an extended run in the team.
Curiously, his last La Liga appearance came over a year ago against Real Madrid on January 3rd. He had expected to feature in last season’s final match against Betis with nothing at stake, but Corberán stuck with Mamardashvili – a decision that reportedly cost Dimitrievski a significant performance bonus and further strained their relationship.
Now the pair are forced to work together again. As they say in the East End, it’s a funny old game, ain’t it?