The saga is almost over. Fans woke to media outlets, including Sky Sports, reporting a deal to sign Serbian international Aleksandar Mitrovic was almost complete, barring a medical and signing of contracts.
Having held their nerve for over a week, Lee Charnley and the club look to have finally secured the striker they coveted most. Signing Mitrovic is a huge statement from the club. Rumors filled both newspapers columns and spread across social media. Mitrovic along with Charlie Austin, Rolan and Saido Berahino were all subject to rumours linking them with Newcastle. What appeared to be another drawn out saga nears completion.
Fans conversed across social media and message boards detailing which individual they most preferred. Opinions passed backwards and forwards, every detail of the player scrutinised. If only one of these players is to be signed my opinion would be to buy Mitrovic. I ask you neither to agree nor disagree with my judgment but read with an open mind.
Aleksander Mitrovic, whilst still only 20 years of age possess skills and abilities beyond his years. The 6’ft 3′ standing frame and muscular complex is evidence Mitrovic has the physical stature to cope with the rough and tumble of the premier league. Premier League football is fast paced and highly physical. Defenders will look to “rough up” and pressurise strikers. Very few Premier league central defenders possess technical ability, most preferring old style man marking techniques.
Facing Arsenal last year as an Anderlecht player in the champions league, Mitrovic was thrown into the game with the Belgian champions losing 3-1. Mitrovic changed the course of the tie. With instinctive movement he not only awarded his team a penalty but also scored. The goal scored was typical of a young Alan Shearer. Waiting patiently at the back post before darting in front of his marker and planting a crisp header beyond the desperate goalkeeper. During the 30 minute cameo Mitrovic was marked at set pieces by German International and World Cup winner Per Mertesacker. Mitrovic gave him a range of problems two or three times out jumping the colossal defender.
Mitrovic is what I would define as a natural goalscorer, a trait we’ve not had in a striker since Alan Shearer. Mitrovic moves well across the ground and gambles upon deliveries. His only intention is to be in the right place at the right time. The modern day striker has to be able to offer more than the old style number 9 English fans are accustomed to seeing. Back to goal and hold up play was once perceived as the only major attribute needed alongside an eye for goal. Mitrovic has far more to his game than back to goal however he can play a lone target man.
McClaren and Cathro have been drilling players to focus upon possession and create chances through instinctive pass and move transitions. Mitrovic is perfect for this kind of system. He won’t stay centrally he will move into the channels becoming difficult and problematic to mark by opposing defender. Having a turn of pace Mitrovic can also play upon the shoulder of last defenders, who press play higher looking for to play an offside strategy. Mitrovic also has a high work rate, his willingness to work and pressure opposition defenders is encouraging. Great team ethic is important. Defending from the front is a system adopt by many of the great managers. Jose Mourinho will only purchase players with such traits. Didier Drogba, Diego Milito and most recently Diego Costa prove this theory and concept.
Newcastle United have moved swiftly to acquire a player, deemed as many as one of the finest prospects in European football. Mitrovic has the chance to become anything he wants to be. The sky truly is the limit. There is no question he has talent and with experience and advanced modern coaching he can move from strength to strength.
Questions have been asked Mitrovic has taken so long to finally make a decision. Press reports suggested, his father was pining for a better deal. I think you must look at this realistically. Newcastle were nearly relegated last season, whilst new management has been appointed the facts are undenying. Mitrovic’s father is obviously looking out for his son’s career as any parent should. As individuals I suspect all of us in our lifetime have went to our parents seeking advice and guidance. How refreshing a parent is advising as opposed to a football agent, whose only interest is money. Playing in the champions league is a requirement most exciting young prospect want to compete in. Why would you not want to play in the best club competition In the world? Porto and AS Roma were amongst the rumored competition. I think it’s fair to say both Italy and Portugal have warmer climates and both could have offered the Champions League place. Whether both clubs interested had the finances or resources to carry out the deal is unknown, however I don’t think we should care. Applause must be giving to Lee Charnley and the board for selling Newcastle and their ambition moving forward. Luring talent of Mitrovic is challenging and highly pleasing when finally brought to fruition. Accompanied by a very lucrative contract Mitrovic has decided Newcastle United are the club he will hone his skills with next season.
Fans have questioned Mitrovic’s attitude. Rumors of his mentality suggest the young lad is a livewire and not what we need within the squad. Mitrovic in my mind has a desire to win, he wears his heart on his sleeve and gives everything to the cause. Players like this should be lauded. For far too long many of the current squad have become withering cowards, unable or unwilling to avert pressure and show a stomach for fight. Cowardly performances have occurred far too often leaving fans angry and disappointed. Individuals who care and a desire to win are more than welcome in my mind.
Charlie Austin is a name upon many of the fans’ lips. The 26-year-old rose to prominence by scoring 18 goals in a relegated Queens Park Rangers team. A former bricklayer, Austin carries a fairy tale story. The lad who rose through the league and reached the pinnacle, the Premier League his promised land. My question to many wanting Austin is have you based your decision solely on the fact you’ve not watched Mitrovic?
Many have explained Austin has Premier League experience, does that make much difference nowadays? For many years the Premier League has been built up as the best league in the world. Viewing figures are ever increasing and the league is a “marketing machine”, however English clubs have regressed compared to opposing nations. Since Chelsea lifted the Champions league, English clubs have remained in the shadows or German and Spanish counterparts. Beating regularly and with relative ease despite huge outlays lavished upon players.
Austin at 26, has very little room to improve. What you’re seeing is what you are likely to get. Having also suffered severe knee and shoulder injuries worries about significant investment must be considered. I appreciate Austin came to life last season. His goals came from multiple situations. Powerful headers, tap ins and clever volleys show he has an array of skills, however what if it’s only a flash in the pan. Cast your mind back a few years, Michael Ricketts burst on the scene with Bolton Wanderers. Scoring at will he earned a big money move to Boro on the back of one fabulous season. Ricketts never recaptured the stunning form, which earned him such a move and faded into the wilderness.
In conclusion I truly believe Newcastle United have made a huge statement of intent. Capturing Mitrovic is a true sign of change within the ranks and in my mind offers more than Austin in every department. If you haven’t watched the Serbian International I highly urge you to do so. You may not know his name now but in the coming months, you’re more than likely going to sing his name!
