Under the tutelage of Rafael Benitez, Aleksandar Mitrovic was severely overlooked at Newcastle United and there is no denying that. Mitrovic was almost frozen out while he was in the ranks of the Magpies in the first half of the season as he was handed merely 6 substitute appearances in the Premier League. However, he is getting back to his best after the breeze of change in his career in the January transfer window.
The striker was linked to a number of sides, including Bordeaux, Anderlecht and Middlesbrough but his exit from St. James’ Park was blocked due to one reason or the other. However, in the dying hours of the transfer window, the 23-year-old was lured to the Craven Cottage by Slavisa Jokanovic as Fulham managed to make him sign on the dotted line of a loan deal.
After his move to the Championship outfit, Mitrovic has been on fire as he has already smashed 7 goals in 9 appearances for the Cottagers. He has shown immense predatory instincts inside the box, his movements on and off the ball have been shrewd and he has been quite mobile and clinical up front to please Fulham’s fans and manager considerably.
Jokanovic’s side are definitely in contention of earning a promotion to the Premier League as they are placed at the 3rd spot in the league standings with 69 points to their name after 38 games. Although it would take herculean efforts from them, alongside a bit of miracle, to secure an automatic promotion spot, they are seemingly likely to at least make it to the playoffs.
If Mitrovic manages to keep his form intact in the business end of the season, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Jokanovic aiming to sign him permanently in the summer. The Serbian international might be a player who has been criticized at times for his indiscipline, but there is no denying that he has the potential and calibre to make his presence felt in the final third.
He holds the ball well up front, tests opposition’s goalkeepers from close quarters as well as from long range and links up well with his teammates. Besides, he is quite aggressive, is good in the air and there is no doubt that he has the ingredients to be a useful striker for a decent club. Considering his recent form, it would be intriguing to see whether Benitez lets him leave the ranks of the Geordies permanently in the summer or not.
