Real Madrid: Three Alternatives to Paul Pogba

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has quietly been one of the most influential midfielders in Europe. In his breakout season of 2017/18, he scored 14 goals and provided nine assists leading for his stock to rise. Major clubs such as Juventus, Manchester United, Real Madrid, etc. were interested in signing the Serbian international. However, Lazio was looking for an offer well north of $100 million, which ultimately took him off the market for potential suiters.

Since then, Milinkovic-Savic’s hype has faded. While many of his critics will point to his dwindling numbers – seven goals, and three assists in the 2018/19 season and five goals, and six assists so far in the 2019/20 season. However, the numbers do not tell the entire story. The Serbian’s lower stats is mainly due to his change of role in Lazio’s system.

Simone Inzaghi has utilized him in a slightly deeper role in the midfield, allowing Luis Alberto to flex his creativity going forward. With his position, his 11 goals and assists contribution are much more impressive with a solid 1.6 key passes per 90 to add to that.

Milinkovic-Savic is one of the most valuable players in Inzaghi’s team; he played a significant role in their Coppa Italia triumph last season and their impressive run in Seria A this season as they currently sit second in the standings.

He is also most like Pogba, among the players in this list when it comes to playing style. They are both tall yet technical players who can spread passes, win physical battles, and get into the box to score. In Real Madrid, he can perform the Pogba role, playing alongside the likes of Casemiro, Toni Kroos, and Fede Valverde with improved output.