World Cup 2022 – Squad Preview: Serbia

Serbia drew 1-1 with Ireland in the September 2021 qualifier in Dublin

Serbia drew 1-1 with Ireland in the September 2021 qualifier in Dublin Credit: Timmy Keane (ETPhotos)

Serbia are one of the European sides who are quietly fancied to make an impact at this World Cup despite tough competition.   

Dragan Stoijkovic 26-man squad contains many stars from across the major clubs in Europe and plenty from their successful international underage side. However, some lingering concerns remain over the fitness and form of some of the players. 

Predrag Rajkovic of Mallorca will be expected to be first choice in goal. Marko Dmitrovic and Vanja Milinkovic-Savic are both capable back-ups though. 

Defence is perhaps the main area causing worry. Nicola Milenkovic of Fiorentina is likely to start in the centre, but questions remain over who is going to partner him. Stahinja Pavlovic of RB Salzburg is probably the main choice, but there seems to be issues over his temperament.

Milos Velikovic could come into play if they decide on a three at the back system. Stefan Mitrovic and Srdan Babic have also been used at different times as personnel have been chopped and changed during qualification.

In midfield, they have a number of players who can adapt to whatever system required. Sinisa Milenkovic-Savic of Lazio will likely be tasked with providing the main thrust from midfield.

Sasa Lukic will probably join him there, with either Nememja Gudelj or Nemenja Maksimovic being tasked with the defensive work. Filip Kostic of Juventus and Andrija Zivkovic of PAOK will be expected to provide the width.  

It is up front that have the neutrals excited. Aleksander Mitrovic of Fulham is carrying a knock at the moment but is expected to play the second game. Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus is a more than capable back-up, with Dusan Tadic expected to play off the front man.

Elsewhere, Luka Jovic and Filip Duricic will be waiting to be called upon as required. 

Goalkeepers: Marko Dmitrovic (Sevilla), Predrag Rajkovic (Mallorca), Vanja Milinkovic-Savic (Torino).



Defenders: Stefan Mitrovic (Getafe), Nikola Milenkovic (Fiorentina), Strahinja Pavlovic (RB Salzburg), Milos Veljkovic (Werder Bremen), Filip Mladenovic (Legia Warsaw), Strahinja Erakovic (Red Star Belgrade), Srdjan Babic (Almeria).

Midfielders: Nemanja Gudelj (Sevilla), Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Lazio), Sasa Lukic (Torino), Marko Grujic (Porto), Filip Kostic (Juventus), Uros Racic (Braga), Nemanja Maksimovic (Getafe), Ivan Ilic (Hellas Verona), Andrija Zivkovic (PAOK), Darko Lazovic (Hellas Verona).

Forwards: Dusan Tadic (Ajax), Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham), Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus), Filip Duricic (Sampdoria), Luka Jovic (Fiorentina), Nemanja Radonji (Torino).

 

About Philip Morrissey

Philip is a Cork City fan for his entire adult life. From bad times to good, whether this was taking on some major European sides or in the First Division. Philip went back to college … View Full Profile