EURO 2024 Team Guide - Group C - Serbia

With fans turning on the gaffer after stale performances saw them limp through qualifying, expectations are at a minimum for the ever-optimistic Serbs. Callum Turner explains why this could be ideal.

Country: Serbia

FIFA World Ranking: 33

Qualification Record: 2nd Place W4, D2, L2

Goals For: 15

Goals Against: 9

Group: Group C

Highest Ever Euros Finish: Runners-up (as Yugoslavia) - 1960, 1968

Previous Euros Appearances: 5 (as Yugoslavia and Serbia & Montenegro)

Top International Goal Scorer (in Squad): Aleksandar Mitrović (57)

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Vanja Milinkovic Savic (Torino), Dorde Petrovic (Chelsea) and Predrag Rajkovic (Mallorca) 

Defenders: Strahinja Pavlovic (RB Salzburg), Nikola Milenkovic (Fiorentina), Srdan Babic (Spartak Moscow), Milos Veljkovic (Werder Bremen), Uros Spajic (Red Star Belgrade) and Nemanja Stojic (TSC Backa Topola)

Midfielders: Sasa Lukic (Fulham), Nemanja Gudelj (Seviila)Nemanja Maksimovic (Getafe), Ivan Ilic (Torino), Srdan Mijailovic (Red Star Belgrade), Sergej Milenkovic-Savic (Al-Hilal), Dusan Tadic (Fenerbahce), Lazar Samardzic (Udinese), Vejko Birmancevic (Sparta Prague), Filip Kostic (Juventus), Andrija Zivkovic (PAOK), Filip Mladenovic (Panathinaikos) and Mijat Gacinovic (AEK Athens) 

Forwards: Aleksandar Mitrovic (Al-Hilal), Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus), Luka Jovic (AC Milan) and Petar Ratkov (RB Salzburg)

The Gaffer:

Dragan Stojković (Appointed: March 2021)

Gaffer Bio: 

Dragan Stojković, (nickname Piksi), is an absolute icon in Serbia and probably the greatest player to emerge from the region. Quick, opportunistic, and unpredictable, Piksi possessed impeccable vision, creativity, and passing skills. His phenomenal technique and dribbling ability earned him the full-deserved label of "the Maradona of the Balkans."

Stojković first set the world alight at Red Star Belgrade, where he scored 54 times in 116 appearances as a midfielder. He is one of only five players to be awarded the "Star of the Red Star," a title reserved for those who have ‘had a major impact on the club's history and have made the name of the club famous around the globe’. From here, he earned a move to Olympique de Marseille where he joined a star-studded squad including the likes of Eric Cantona, Chris Waddle, and Didier Deschamps. Despite an injury-riddled debut season, he played a crucial role in Marseille’s run to the UEFA European Champions' Cup final, but refused to take a penalty in the final against his beloved former team, Red Star, who ended up winning the shootout.

After a brief stint at Hellas Verona, plagued by more injuries, Dragan Stojković returned to Marseille, where he finally won a Champions League medal in 1993, though he missed the final due to yet another injury. In 1994, he signed for Japanese J-League team Nagoya Grampus Eight, where he was briefly managed by Arsen Wenger and shred the pitch with Gary Lineker. Stojković spent seven successful seasons there, earning the J-League MVP award in 1995 before retiring as a player in 2001. His exceptional talent made him astronomically popular in Japan, an appeal that transcended club allegiances, and he remains revered across the country to this day. 

Internationally, Stojković made 84 appearances, scoring 15 times for the SFR Yugoslavia and FR Yugoslavia national teams. He played in the 1990 and 1998 FIFA World Cups and at UEFA Euro 2000. At the 1990 World Cup, he also bagged both goals in Yugoslavia's 2-1 round-of-16 defeat of Spain. His international career culminated in a poignant farewell in 2001, during an emotional match against Japan, a nation that had become his second home.

After hanging up his boots, Stojković became president of the Serbian Football Association and joined the UEFA technical committee, and the FIFA football committee, before taking a similar role at Red Star Belgrade in 2005.

In 2008, he began his managerial career back at his beloved Nagoya Grampus, where they had named a street after him in his absence. He reciprocated the love by winning them the league in 2010. While there, he also once nonchalantly thumped a volley into the back of the net from his technical area after the ball was kicked out of play for an injury. There’s a video of it knocking about that went viral, honestly, go on YouTube and take a look, it’s a belter. Despite being tipped by his former coach Arsène Wenger as a potential future manager for Arsenal, Stojković opted to move to Chinese Super League side Guangzhou R&F in 2015, saving them from relegation before taking over Serbia in 2021.

Under Dragan Stojković's management, Serbia's World Cup 2022 campaign was disappointing, culminating in a last-place finish in Group G. Despite this setback, Stojković retains his position and is set to lead the team into Euro 2024. However, for the first time in his life, his once-unquestionable popularity is waning. Even though Serbia secured their spot in Euro 2024, their home-and-away losses to Hungary highlighted tactical frailties that undermine their attacking potential. This dip in form has tarnished Stojković's reputation, with some fans criticising the media for being too lenient on him due to his legendary status.

Who Could Do with Him?

With Olympique de Marseille currently without a manager, a Dragan Stojković homecoming could be an intriguing prospect. Marseille are a club known for not shying away from rolling the dice on big personalities, and Piksi is certainly that. In Stojković, they might find a fitting leader who brings the charisma required to steer one of Europe's more volatile clubs.

Unfinished business is always a great motivator and returning to the club where everyone expected him to set Europe alight before the injuries hindered his impact really adds a compelling Hollywood narrative to a potential reunion. Though history suggests that players returning to their former clubs as managers often face an uphill battle, he managed it successfully enough in Japan. 

If nothing else, having Stojković pacing the Marseillaise touchline would inject an undeniable sense of excitement into proceedings. It promises a journey filled with highs and lows, echoing the thrill he once brought to the pitch. Once again, the spotlight would be firmly fixed on "Piksi,"captivating the attention of the crowd, just as it was during his playing days.

Formation / Style of Play:

5-3-2 or 3-4-3

Stojković mostly opts not to concern himself with banal unimportant things like rigid tactics, preferring to encourage a highly attacking style where Serbia can concede to anyone at any time. He firmly believes in Serbia's ability to outscore any opponent, even if it means occasionally letting a few in at the other end.

Not completely bereft of tactical nous, Stojković adapts his formation based on the opposition's strength. Against stronger teams, expect Serbia to set up in a 5-3-2 formation, with the wing-backs assuming crucial defensive roles. This provides additional solidity in the hope of withstanding pressure from high-calibre opponents. In more balanced or seemingly easier games, Stojković shifts to a 3-4-3 formation. Here, Dušan Tadić plays a pivotal role, pulling the strings behind the potent strike force of Dušan Vlahović and Aleksandar Mitrović.

The game plan for Serbia is straightforward enough: score as many as possible and, when defending, assume the brace position and hope for the best. Their attacking prowess is undisputed, much of their strategy relying on the midfield wizardry of Sergej Milinković-Savić and Tadić. These two orchestrate the play, their vision and creativity crafting numerous opportunities.

In front of them, Vlahović and Mitrović are goal-scoring machines, each a complete striker in their own right. Vlahović brings a touch of elegance, while Mitrović acts as the blunt force instrument. Despite their different styles, both are equally effective. Agile wingers capable of delivering high-quality crosses add another layer to their offensive threat, further amplifying Serbia's offensive capabilities and presenting opponents with a multifaceted military assault that can be challenging to contain.

Strengths:

Serbia's primary strength lies in their formidable attack, with Mitrović and Vlahović they have an up front pair that would be the envy of much of Europe. Supported by the midfield creativity of Milinković-Savić and Dušan Tadić, they consistently create scoring opportunities and pose a constant threat.

When the stars align and the attack works in harmony, Serbia become a formidable force. At their peak, they present a challenging, fluid proposition for any opponent. Positioned in a group alongside England, Slovenia, and Denmark, teams with defensive vulnerabilities, Serbia could emerge as highly competitive. They are also absolutely massive and combine this with expert set-piece delivery courtesy of Tadić and Kostić and they become a force to be reckoned with in dead-ball situations.

Weaknesses:

Their defence is about as much use as a chocolate teapot and the midfield is prone to crumbling during transitions, often leaving defenders isolated in one-on-one situations. Opponents who press high and disrupt Serbia's buildup from the back can exploit these vulnerabilities, as their press is often easy to bypass.

Defensive consistency remains an ongoing concern, with lapses in concentration frequently resulting in conceded goals. Sustaining focus and discipline, particularly in crucial matches, will be imperative for Serbia's success. This challenge is compounded by the fact that many players are deployed out of their natural positions. Notably, Stojković's Euro squad includes only one natural full-back, necessitating others to adapt to unfamiliar roles.

Furthermore, Serbia lacks players who naturally fit the wide centre-back profile, leading to vulnerabilities and disrupting tactical cohesion in defensive areas. This deficiency in specific defensive roles can leave them exposed against well-organised attacking teams. Their fortunes in the tournament will depend heavily on their ability to address these weaknesses and maintain defensive discipline throughout.

Player to Watch:

Aleksandar Mitrović:

One of the biggest menaces of recent Premier League years is set to take to the European stage once again. He spent years striking fear into the hearts of Premiership defenders and elbows into their ribs, and he’s ready to remind the continent exactly what this wrecking ball is all about.

After notching an impressive 49 Premier League goals in just over six seasons, Mitrović made headlines with a high-profile move to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League for a hefty £46 million. In the Middle East, he has continued to flourish, racking up 28 league goals in as many games, the second-highest goalscorer this season trailing only the aging crybaby Cristiano Ronaldo. His debut campaign saw his side clinch the league title, showcasing his peak form heading into the upcoming tournament.

At the international level, Mitrović has been Serbia’s talisman since his debut in 2013. With 57 goals in 89 games, he stands far ahead as his country's all-time leading scorer. His partnership with Dušan Vlahović could be one of the most dangerous in the tournament, offering a formidable threat to any defense they encounter.

Mitrović's physicality, aerial ability, and lethal finishing make him a constant danger, and his current form suggests he will undoubtedly be a player to keep an eye on throughout the tournament.

One for the Future:

Lazar Samardzic:

A young and promising talent currently honing his skills at Udinese in Italy, Samardzic is widely touted in Serbia as the heir to Dušan Tadić’s throne. Such comparisons often turn into a poisoned chalice in international football. Those labelled as the next (insert legendary footballer’s name here) rarely end up holding a candle to the original. Yet, in Samardzic's case, the parallels are striking.

Much like Tadić, Samardzic exudes elegance on the ball and boasts a refined left foot. His decision to represent Serbia over his native Germany (he was born in Berlin) was considered a significant coup in Serbia, heightening the level of expectation among fans. However, at this stage, the 35-year-old Tadić is likely to retain his starting position. Nevertheless, Samardzic remains a captivating playmaker, characterised by precise passing and adept ball-carrying skills, capable of producing moments of brilliance under the right circumstances.

Unlucky to Miss Out:

Nemanja Radonjić:

A 28-year-old journeyman who has plied his trade for clubs like Roma, Čukarički, Red Star, Marseille, Hertha, Benfica, Torino, and Mallorca, Radonjić has accumulated 44 appearances for Serbia, finding the net five times. Renowned for his pace and dribbling ability, Radonjić embodies a mercurial talent—capable of altering the course of games in an instant, yet often plagued by inconsistency at the club level.

Despite featuring sparingly in the qualifiers, tallying a mere 79 minutes of playtime, his capacity to inject speed and flair could have proven invaluable for Serbia. However, Radonjić recently revealed that he opted to remove himself from contention, citing a perceived lack of favour within the squad. Whether he initiated the departure or was turfed out remains subject to interpretation, but his potential to make an impact is undeniable. He could have been a formidable weapon in Serbia's arsenal, introducing another layer of unpredictability to their options.

.Likely Line Up:

Rajković; Milenković, Mitrović, Pavlović; Lazović, Milinković-Savić, Gudelj, Kostić; Tadić; Mitrović, Vlahović

Fixtures:

Matchday 1: Serbia vs England – 16th June

Matchday 2: Slovenia vs Serbia – 20th June

Matchday 3: Denmark vs Serbia – 25th June

Verdict:

Serbians, much like England fans in the past, suffer from a chronic case of every usually reasonable football fan's ultimate kryptonite: unwarranted hope. However, this year, it's a bit different. The hope has waned a little, with faith in the manager and the team dwindling after a string of disappointing results since the 2022 World Cup. Yes, they managed to qualify, but they made it difficult for themselves in one of the weakest qualifying groups of all time.

As we've seen with England, when the pressure is alleviated, that's when teams can surprise you and the dreaded hope sets back in. Serbia has quality up top, so you never know. Yet, achieving stability and maintaining consistency will be paramount. If they can strike a balance between offensive prowess and defensive discipline, they may emerge as one of the tournament's surprise packages, with a real chance of advancing from the group stage at least.

Regardless, Serbia remains a deeply unpredictable and therefore entertaining side. Anything could happen in a Serbia game: plenty of goals, inexplicable blunders, and raw passion bordering on aggression. They epitomise the twisting, turning enigmatic mavericks that tournament football thrives on and will no doubt be one of the most watchable teams of the tournament for all the right, wrong, and anything-in-between reasons.

Callum Turner (@Biggg_C_)