The Rebirth of Aleksandar the Great. Three goals in 27 games and then gone: such was the meager record of Aleksandar Mitrović (28) in the Premier League at the end of the 2020-2021 season, which will have seen Fulham make the elevator between the elite of the English football and the Championship. Disappointing, like his entire team (yet reinforced, at the time, with millions), the Serbian international (50 goals in 75 caps) quietly left to get the icing again at the lower level, which he knows like the back of his hand.
Author of a resounding season (43 goals in 44 league games, to which must be added 7 assists), Aleksandar Mitrović was one of the great architects of Fulham’s rapid rise in the Premier League, bringing his total of pawns to Championship at 85 in 126 appearances. Determined to prove that it was just a mishap, the former Newcastle and Anderlecht striker started the 2022-2023 financial year on a high in England.
After 11 games played since the start of the Premier League season, the native of Smederevo has already planted 9 goals, with a ratio of 0.82 goals per game. That’s already three times more than during his last stint in PL. Formidable in duels and in the aerial field (3 headed goals) with his difficult to maneuver size, Mitrović also showed remarkable efficiency (46% accuracy) which clearly made the difference. His debut with a bang is clearly no stranger to Fulham’s fine position in the standings.
Experience that matters, maximum confidence
“One of the reasons for his transformation is his greater experience of Premier League football and his understanding of what it takes to perform better.”analyzes Adam Sharegold, journalist for the DailyMail overseas. It is now his fourth full season in the Premier League, either with Newcastle or Fulham. And our colleague to estimate that the role of his trainer also has its importance. “Marco Silva also trusted Mitro 100% from the start. Scott Parker didn’t trust him in the Premier League and he played fewer games in 2020-21. When Silva became manager in the summer of 2021, the first thing he did was call Mitrovic on vacation and tell him he was his number 1 striker and had full confidence in his abilities. It helped him adapt to the Premier League. »
But we must also not forget that, despite the XXL recruitment in the summer of 2020 from the Cottagers, the Serb is probably better surrounded this year on the side of Craven Cottage. “In 2020-21 there weren’t really any players to serve him – the best passers Fulham had were Bobby Reid and Ivan Cavaleiro. This season he has better players to serve him like Kebano, Pereira and Tete. » But above all, Mitrović’s style is more feared in England. “I think modern defenders hate facing Mitrovic because he’s so strong and aggressive. There aren’t many strikers like him in the Premier League because a lot of teams rely on speed and skill rather than a great striker.”underlines Adam Sharegold, taking the bet that he can compete with the best pyrotechnicians of His Majesty’s Kingdom.
Serbia is already rubbing its hands for the World Cup
A good omen a few weeks before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Serbia will find Switzerland, Cameroon and Belgium in Group G. The experienced Mitrović will, without a doubt, be one of the main dangers to watch for the opponents of the Serbs. “Me and my teammates, the whole nation too, everyone is very impatient for it to start, the principal concerned recently explained. We fell into a complicated group, with great teams and excellent players. But that’s also why you play a World Cup. If we go there, it’s to measure ourselves against the best players. We’re looking forward, personally, I’m very confident, and I think my team-mates and the whole country feel the same. » The Eagles are already salivating at the idea of finding the one who remains on 6 goals during his last 4 outings in selection.
