Lazio playmaker Sergej Milinkovic-Savic will most probably leave the Italian club this summer. His stunning performances from the last season have attracted interests from various clubs in Europe. The player reportedly has a price tag of over £120million, making him an expensive target indeed.
With Cristiano Ronaldo out of Real Madrid, it will make sense for the European champions to sign the Serbian ahead of Manchester United. Furthermore, the Red Devils are in dire need of a winger, rather than a central playmaker.
New Madrid boss Julien Lopetegui is keen to revamp the squad and signing Milinkovic-Savic will be a step in the right direction.
Let’s analyze the player and conclude as to why he could be the man to take Real Madrid forward from a crucial attacking midfield position.
The Serbian’s imposing physicality makes him one of the most complete midfielders in the Italian league. The 23-year-old is equally good with and without the ball, making him a midfielder of great pedigree. In addition to that, his knowledge and understanding of the game is quite impressive as well.
He can receive the ball and protect it expertly, before releasing an incisive pass or a crucial through ball. He has a pass accuracy rate of 81% and created 45 goalscoring opportunities in 31 appearances last season. His height allows him to win headers in the midfield and also act as a threat from set-pieces.
The best thing about Milinkovic-Savic is his ability to track back and help the defenders. As mentioned above, he has a brilliant footballing mind, enabling him to make tackles and interceptions in crucial areas of the pitch, at a rate of 1.6 and 0.9 per game respectively.
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In Lopetegui’s primary 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 system, the Serbian can either be deployed as one of the attacking central midfielders or as a No.10 behind a striker. He possesses great quality on the ball, which will be embraced at Santiago Bernabeu. However, it is his work rate and determination that will earn him a lot of admirers in Spain.
So, for Los Blancos, it is a great opportunity to splash the cash generated from Ronaldo’s sale to sign Milinkovic-Savic. For the player as well, this is the right time to move and justify his price tag with his performances.
Stats Courtesy – Squawka.com
