The 23-year-old Lazio midfielder is one of the most coveted names in European football at the moment. Every elite club is after him, despite the gigantic price tag. However, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has not been a regular in Serbia’s starting lineup and might not even be there when his team takes the pitch on June 17 against Costa Rica.
In 2015, Milinkovic-Savic came over to Italy from Belgium’s Genk as a relative unknown. I don’t think anybody, including the people who bought him at the time, had any idea that he could be this good. Sergej is a complete midfielder. He takes free kicks, is able to find gaps of space to exploit, is excellent when surging towards an opponent’s box as a shadow striker, can blast long-range missiles – a skill essential for an attacking midfielder, is an accurate passer and a strong-bodied, effective defensive midfielder. No wonder Lazio is asking over €100 million to sell him.
Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United has been linked with the young Serbian international for quite some time now. However, the Red Devils will face stiff competition for the highly-rated midfielder, especially if he transfers his stellar club form to the 2018 World Cup. Real Madrid seems to have realised the quality and ability this kid has, as rumours are whispering of a potential €150 million bid. Milinkovic-Savic remains focused on the task at hand:
“I am trying to remain concentrated, even though every day I read something new about me.”
“Obviously I feel pressure on me and know that I’ll have to live with this situation throughout the World Cup.”
“It’s the same pressure when I play for Lazio, so I am accustomed to it.
He has to, because his place in Mladen Krstajic’s starting lineup is far from a foregone conclusion. Serbia has several exceptional midfielders, including Sergej’s idol Nemanja Matic. Even though he looks up to his national teammate, Lazio’s No.21 has modelled his game after Ivory Coast’s Yaya Toure. That’s exactly how he moves and acts on the pitch, giving him a huge advantage over his peers. Despite the tough competition, Krstajic will be crazy not to use his best asset in Russia. SMS is a game-changer.
As for his future, this is Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s state of mind:
“I will decide where to continue my career after the World Cup.”
Sorry, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Co., I guess you’ll have to wait.
