Bolton Wanderers midfielder Martin Petrov believes Premier League clubs missed out on the league’s best defender when they failed to sign Trotters star Gary Cahill this summer.
Offers from both Arsenal and Tottenham came in for the 25-year-old defender in the last couple of days of the transfer window but none were deemed accepted by the Bolton hierarchy.
Bulgaria international Petrov could come up against his Bolton team-mate on Friday night as his nation are set to take on England in a European Championship qualifier.
“For me, he is the best defender in the whole league. He is strong, quick and can head the ball well,” Petrov told The Bolton News.
But the 32-year-old midfielder, who will be winning his 89th cap for Bulgaria against England, does seem a little surprised Cahill, who only has one year left on his contract, remained at the club.
Petrov said: “Am I surprised he is still at Bolton Wanderers? That is not a question for me.
“For the team it is very good that he would stay here. But if the club chooses to sell, I think we must understand that he is a very good player who wants to go forward in his career.”
The Bulgarian is looking forward to Friday’s match and expects a difficult England challenge, but is confident that a strong home backing could see his country spring a surprise.
“We know we might not have a great chance of beating England, but this is football,” he said.
“We are very different teams. England players all play in the Premier League, probably the best league in the world.
“But I think it will be difficult because we are at home and the fans will be there for us.
“I think it will be a great game but I hope that Bulgaria win.”
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Bolton Wanderers midfielder Martin Petrov: Gary Cahill is the best defender in the Premier League