According to a recent report by Gazzetta dello Sport (subscription required), Real Madrid are keeping a keen eye on Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic this summer. The same source has also claimed that Los Blancos chiefs have ‘started to move’ on the talented playmaker, but will face stiff competition from Chelsea in pursuit of his signature (via talkSPORT).
Milinkovic-Savic’s Superb Form At Rome This Season
The Serbian midfield ace has enjoyed another outstanding season at the Italian capital after producing a series of impressive performances at the heart of Simone Inzaghi’s midfield. He has featured in 36 matches for the Italian outfit this term, netting six goals and grabbing seven assists on all fronts which sheds light on his growing influence in the final third.
The 25-year-old has become a fan-favourite at the Stadio Olimpico due to his excellent all-around contributions at the centre of the park. He has averaged 1.9 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 1.5 clearances, 2.2 shots, 1.3 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per game in the Serie A and the UEFA Europa League this season (stats via whoscored).
Milinkovic-Savic has also secured 15 senior caps for the Serbian national team but is still waiting to score his first goal for his country. Maybe a high-profile switch to Real Madrid could offer him the platform to take his game to the next level for both club and country in the years to come.
What Does The Serbian International Bring To The Table?
Milinkovic-Savic has a tireless work ethic and is not shy of making some driving runs with the ball towards the opposition penalty box. He has come up with plenty of important goals and assists for Lazio over the past couple of seasons, which has enhanced his reputation in Italian football. However, the Serbian sensation has all the skillset required to transform himself into a more productive midfielder if he can improve his contributions in the attacking third of the field.
Milinkovic-Savic is also proficient at winning possession back for his team. He can often use his remarkable strength to outmuscle the opposition and emerge victorious in the 50-50 midfield battles. The Serie A star will not only add more goals and creativity to Zinedine Zidane’s midfield but also improve the overall depth of his squad if he decides to join Real Madrid this summer. Furthermore, he will offer more competition for the likes of Federico Valverde, Toni Kroos and Casemiro at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium next season.
Is Milinkovic-Savic The Right Choice For Los Blancos?
At 25, Milinkovic-Savic is currently playing at his peak and could serve as an excellent long-term replacement for the ageing Luka Modric. With all things considered, he will be a brilliant choice for Zidane to consider before the start of the new campaign as he has the potential to help Los Blancos win more trophies in the near future.
