With 16 days to go until the World Cup kicks off, we continue our rundown of those to watch at the competition.
Having kickstarted Group E with Brazil, we turn our attention to Serbia. The European side come into the World Cup as something of an unknown quantity after a managerial change. Mladen Krstajic took over the reins as Serbia boss last October having succeeded Slavoljub Muslin as head coach. The 64-year-old had guided the Eagles to top spot in qualifying, yet was relieved of his duties following a disagreement over team selection.
Since Krstajic took charge, results have been mixed to say the least. He’s overseen two wins from the four games he’s managed, overcoming both China and Nigeria. Having qualified for their second major international tournament since becoming an independent nation in 2006, the 44-year-old will look to better Serbia’s group stage showing at the 2010 World Cup.
He has ample talent in the squad, with a host of those plying their trade for teams in Europe’s top five leagues. Considering Krstajic’s managerial inexperience - Serbia’s meeting with Costa Rica will be his first competitive match as a manager - he’ll need the on-field experience to help guide Serbia out of Group E, and it’s for this reason why Aleksandar Kolarov could prove to be a key man in Russia.
The Roma defender was named in the WhoScored.com European team of the season with a rating of 7.52 and registered more assists (8) than any other defender in Serie A this term. The Serbia captain is a hugely impressive attacker when he gains a head of steam while his set-piece delivery will also be crucial this summer. Only Luis Alberto (39) made more key passes from set-piece situations than Kolarov (30) in Serie A this season and if Serbia can maximise this asset, then they’ll trouble any opponent next month.
Aleksandar Kolarov: Only Luis Alberto (39) made more key passes from set-piece situations than Kolarov (30) in Serie A this season
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) May 29, 2018
For more player stats -- https://t.co/ryJ7h4xE49 pic.twitter.com/INQvfZnvcF
As a player with 74 international caps to his name, Krstajic will lean heavily on Kolarov, among others, to provide the necessary leadership as Serbia look to progress alongside one of Brazil, Costa Rica and Switzerland. It’s not just the manager who’ll look to the more experienced players to help guide Serbia to success, but those who lack game time on the international stage too.
After being cast to one side under Muslin, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is set to play a key role for Serbia under Krstajic and he’ll hope to add to his two caps this summer. The Lazio star is one of the most sought after midfielders on the continent and for good reason. The 23-year-old landed a fine WhoScored.com rating of 7.39 in Serie A this season having chipped in with 12 goals and three assists.
Only Enis Bardhi (6) scored more goals from outside of the box than Milinkovic-Savic (5) of players aged 23 and under in Europe’s top five leagues this season, with the powerhouse Lazio sensation the ideal midfielder to operate in the space behind the forward. Krstajic has looked to implement a system the requires a playmaker behind the lone striker and while not a traditional number 10, Milinkovic-Savic has the tools to make a sustained impact in Russia. With the key experience in defence and youthful exuberance in the final third, Serbia could be considered dark horses at the World Cup. A strong start against Costa Rica will undoubtedly help.
