Every weekend we pick out one under-23 player from around Europe and analyse their performance to provide you with an in-depth scouting report.
This week, we focus on Lazio‘s 3-0 win against Udinese in the Serie A with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United and Manchester City, being the subject of our analysis.
Lazio closed the gap on Serie A’s top two to seven points following the comfortable win.
The Biancocelesti led 1-0 at half-time through Udinese defender Samir’s own goal and added further strikes in the second period through Nani and Felipe Anderson.
Here’s a look at Milinkovic-Savic’s performance.
Shots – 3
Assists – 1
Shots on target – 2
Touches – 59
Passes – 43
Key Passes – 1
Pass Accuracy – 83.7%
Aerials Won – 2
Dribbles – 1
Tackles – 0
Interceptions – 1
With his formidable frame, it’s no surprise that Milinkovic-Savic has a commanding presence in midfield. He’s strong in a tackle, although he didn’t display that in this encounter. The 22-year-old took a bit of time to make his mark on the game but was an imposing figure when he did.
He’s difficult to shake off the ball, protecting it well. Despite his physique, he’s surprisingly good on the ball, boasting an excellent first touch and showing off some quick feet.
Milinkovic-Savic is a powerful runner and with the ball at his feet, will drive at the opposition, as he did on a couple of occasions on Wednesday night.
He often makes late runs into the box and one such venture led to the opening goal as he latched on to a cross beyond the far post and drilled it back in for an Udinese defender to knock it into his own net.
Predictably, he is a dominant force in the air and perhaps should’ve had a goal to his name as well when his strong header from a corner in the second half was blocked ahead of the line.
His passing left a lot to be desired though. Not because he’s not capable of good distribution but because in this game in particular, he tried to force the issue, looking for penetrative passes.
22nd minute ASSIST: An over-hit cross evades a swarm of blue shirts in the box before Milinkovic-Savic arrives unmarked and drills the ball back across the six-yard box where Samir heads it into his own net under pressure from Parolo.
56th minute HEADER: The Serbian uses his towering figure to good effect, rising highest from a corner and is unfortunate to have his powerful header blocked Stipe Perica. Shout for handball but referee dismisses the claims.
61st minute CHALLENGE: The midfielder makes a run forward and bravely contests a cross from the right with the keeper but comes off second best.
63rd minute CHANCE: Milinkovic-Savic gets more involved in attack and after a good passing move, receives the ball on the edge of the box. However, with little pressure on him, he mishits his effort which sails well off target.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
He lacks a level of composure but has all the raw material to make it big, particularly in the Premier League. He poses a genuine attacking threat and is capable of growing into an imposing midfielder.
In certain aspects, the Serbian bears a resemblance to Paul Pogba in the way he strides forward, protects the ball and possesses a fine first touch although lacking the Frenchman’s phenomenal flair and technique.
