Potential signing Chelsea should seriously consider: Nikola Milenkovic
Many defenders are being talked about as potential Chelsea players nowadays, what a surprise! Most of the ‘news’ is just rootless speculations relating us with every player that has two legs and at least half a brain because our defensive record from this season creates open space for such machinations.
But, seriously speaking, there are not many decent defenders available in the market currently, and spending big money on some mediocre talents makes no sense, taking into account we already have some better than that out on loan. In order to match our ambitions as a club, we should aim at world-class or potentially world-class players.
One that certainly ticks that box is Serbian towering centre-back Nikola ‘Blackey’ Milenkovic, who plays for Fiorentina. Having joined ‘Viola’ in 2017 at the age of 19, Milenkovic established himself in the first team immediately and become one of the best ball-playing defenders in Italy. At 1,95 m in height, he would greatly improve our backline’s hilarious defending of set-pieces, as well as be a very dangerous force in attacking ones, given that he has scored five goals this season. Beside his beasty height and strength, he also possesses a great sense of starting attacks from the backline, excellent technique and ball control - all the attributes that Chelsea vastly lack at the back. Not one of the fastest on the pitch, but with a great feel for putting himself in a right position and solid pace for his constitution, he should be able to deal even with toughest Premier League’s forwards.
This season, Milenkovic played 37 matches and scored 5 goals, statistically getting involved in 9% of goals scored by his team, which is a magnificent contribution for a defender.
As well as excelling at the heart of the defence, his versatility reflects in being able to cover the right-back position in the team. Having played for three seasons at the top level by the age of just 22, he has the potential to really become one of the best in the game in his position.
With his contract running out in 2022, his market value stands at €24m and it is believed he would be available for about €40m, which is definitely not that much compared to other players of his age and talent. Therefore, with all the attributes so much needed in our leaky backline, Blackey is the one to be seriously considered by Lampard when it comes to reinforcing our squad for the next season.
Comments
He is good certainly but premier league requires pace from a defender to match the opposition. Just take a good look at what they do to Harry McGuire of Man Utd. Sometimes you will pity him.
Milenkovic is much faster than Maguire, plus technically stronger. Search him on YouTube, you’ll see what I’m talking about 😉
This guy is good
Wow, great post! I don't know a lot about him in real life, but he does not disappoint me on my Football Manager team 😂 Seriously, there are much worse options on the market, so considering him would make sense
buy him please
New name, new face. never heard of him but from the write up it all sounds good. a few of his action videos to see how well he does can do us all some good!