“He is one of the sensations of the season in La Liga! He integrated perfectly and quickly won over the fans”
Article by Daniel Scorpie – Published Thursday, January 15, 2026, 3:39 p.m. / Updated Thursday, January 15, 2026, 3:44 p.m.
IONUŢ I'm glad (28 years old) continues to amaze with his performances at Celta Vigo. The daily newspaper La Voz de Galicia dedicated a page to him, in which the Spanish experts analyze the Romanian: “He is a very good, complete goalkeeper. He stands out for his aerial play, his precise decision-making, his ability in one-on-one play, his personality and the confidence he inspires.”
Celta have the fourth best in La Liga with 20 goals conceded, level with Barcelona and Espanyol. And Ionuț Radu is among those to whom the excellent progress of the team from Vigo is owed. The Romanian goalkeeper has conceded only one goal in the last five league matches and, in total, he has 5 games without conceding a goal in La Liga!
The goalkeeper of the national team is in 2nd place in the race for the “Zamora” Trophy, awarded by Marca to the goalkeeper with the fewest goals conceded, being tied with Marko Dimitrovic (Espanyol).
The Galician goalkeeper was beaten 20 times in 19 games, an average of 1.05 per game, and he is surpassed only by Thibaut Courtois, with three less received.
Ionuț Radu (28 years old), the goalkeeper from Celta Vigo, was integral in the draw with Oviedo, score 0-0, from the 17th stage of La Liga/ photo Imago Images
Javier Mate: “Radu came to Spain as an unknown at Celta, but quickly gained confidence. He is already showing his qualities”
His performances led the journalists from Voz de Galicia to dedicate a page to him, in which he hosted the opinions of four former goalkeepers of Celta Vigo (as well as coaches), who took Radu for a pittance. Javier Mate, Emilio Lopez, Patxi Villanueva and Fermin Hortas praised the number 1 in the Galician goal in unison.
“He's progressed a lot, you can see it from game to game. His attitude, both in his footwork and in his clearances, his one-on-ones, all show that he's become a complete goalkeeper.
He came to Spain as an unknown, but quickly gained confidence. He is already showing his qualities. He has improved his exits, blocks the ball better in the air and offers more security”, Javier Mate characterizes him.
He also points to the impact he had in off-field relationships: “He conquered the world, He seems extroverted, through the things he does and through what he transmits in his game. It shows that he has also integrated socially at the club. He feels comfortable and that's good for him because he sees himself as really important.”
Ionuț Radu, in Real Madrid – Celta Vigo // photo: Imago Images
Emilio Lopez completes the impressions: “Radu is a goalkeeper with an extraordinary ability to adapt, a goalkeeper who dominates the game through continuity, senses the moments well and has a very precise aerial game.
“He's always there in borderline situations, alone with the opponent. He's in great form, that's why he's back in the national team”
His play is brave and he rarely has trouble faltering in duels. He is always there in borderline situations, alone with the opponent. He is in great shape, that's why he returned to the national team.
He worked with two new goalkeeping coaches with a different training style, but he settled in quickly. Fans have been waiting for a long time to meet a goalkeeper like Radu!
I have heard enough people speak, even at great distances from Vigo, phenomenally about him, describing him as a special person, hardworking and conveying security, dedication and joy”.
Patxi Villanueva is on the same line: “He is a very good acquisition, becoming one of the most valuable of the lot. He is a safe goalkeeper who gives calmness and confidence to his teammates.
Ionuț Radu transferred in July, free of contract after parting with Venezia, and signed until 2029 with Celta Vigo / Photo: Imago
“Radu's aerial game, one of the best seen in La Liga, reflexes and precise interventions made the difference”
At first, he drew some doubts on himselfbut he has grown a lot and now, halfway through the season, he is already one of the team's strongholds.
In all the matches, he had decisive parades. His aerial play, one of the best seen in La Liga, reflexes and precise interventions made the difference. He is a goalkeeper who gives a lot to his club”.
Fermin Hortas concludes, reinforcing that “Radu is an agile, fast, complete goalkeeper, who interprets Celta's game in all aspects. It is vital that he knows how to come out very well from balls coming from corners or free kicks.
He also improved his footwork, as did his aerial tackles. Celta has always had valuable goalkeepers, and the transfer of Radu is really a very well-deserved move”.
