Serbian Midfielders

Ah, midfield, the position that Serbia always had an embarrassment of riches. Except, with the retirement of Dragan Stojkovic, there has not been one creative midfielder of note in the national team. There is Dejan Petkovic, the veteran plying his trade in Brazil, but that’s a story for another time. At the moment Serbia relies on defensive midfielders and speedy, skilful wingers to get the job done.



Gojko Kacar – I really like the way he plays. Reminds me of a young Roy Keane, albeit more offensively minded. Unfortunately he’s suffered some major injuries this season and is not in the best of form and the mediocre perfomances of his club team appear to have affected him. Still, I believe when the World Cup starts, Kacar will become a breakout star.

Dejan Stankovic – a player who regularly drives the Serbian fans crazy due to not replicating his outstanding form for Inter Milan with the national side. Reading the Serbian internet forums between 2002 – 2008, I don’t think any player was criticised more than Stankovic for his indifferent form with the national side. I think what irked fans more than anything is that between these years Stankovic was stellar for Inter but when it came to international games, fans were actually asking if Stankovic was actually on the pitch! I would agree with that, although since Antic became manager, his performances in a Serbia shirt are getting close to what he does in an Inter shirt.

Nenad Milijas – A solid player, but someone who has never rally impressed me much. He hasn’t played regularly for Wolves in the second half of the season and his lack of playing time is a concern.

Milan Jovanovic – A skilful player always willing to shoot. One of the key players in Serbia’s qualifying run and has earned a move to Liverpool for next season. I believe he will do well in SA and the Premiership, and I hope so too, just so I can rub it in to a certain pundit on BBC R5 Live’s World Football Phone-In who doesn’t rate Milan too highly (You know who you are Mr Brassel!)

Radosav Petrovic – As with most other Serbian football fans, it’s a mystery to me why this kid is in the squad. Was picked for the national team despite not playing regularly for his club side and whenever he played internationally he did absolutely nothing positive of note. Antic seems to like him, however, and that’s why he’s in the squad. But I have to add my voice to those Serbian fans who bemoan the fact that a player of the quality and talent of Dejan Petkovic (despite his age) does not even receive a call-up while plodders like Petkovic represent their country on the highest stage.

Milos Krasic – An exciting attacking winger with pace to burn. I really enjoy watching him play. With the ever-growing importance of pace in the modern game, Krasic will be a key player at the WC and should do well as he looks to display his talents in order to gain a move to a bigger club. Although, already, many admirers have been knocking on his door.

Milos Ninkovic – A solid right-winger who is likely to replace Krasic off the bench

Zoran Tosic – A real impact player who always makes a positive difference when he comes on off the bench. Probably, understandably, did not receive many opportunities at Man Utd, but has been excellent on loan to Koln in the second half of the season. Quick and very skilful – another one I expect to have a good WC.



Zdravko Kuzmanovic – I mostly notice him for his hard work and the effort he puts in rather than his technique and skill. Still, there were many times I wished he were playing in place of Stankovic when the Inter man was having another anonymous game.