Strahinja Pavlovic’s road at AC Milan has not been straight forward. However, he has persisted and is now considered among the best in Europe by the club.
A year ago, there were suggestions about Pavlovic departing, after a few attempts were made in the January mercato. However, Milan did not want to give up on their gamble and Massimiliano Allegri immediately took to him when he joined.
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Playing him on the left-side of a back three, the central defender has been one of his most consistent players this season. In his pre-match press conference, he was asked about the Serbian’s season and he was certainly a little complimentary with his response.
How has Pavlovic improved?
“He’s a player who’s improved a lot this year, he’s a player who wants to improve. Right now, he’s one of the best defenders in Europe.”
Pavlovic’s future
It brings us onto the question of his future and there is certainly interest from a few parties. Chelsea have recently approached to gain information about his situation, but it appears they will struggle. The defender loves the Rossoneri and the feeling is mutual.
So much so, in fact, that the club are currently considering an extension on his deal until 2031. A three year extension, without any real pressure to do so, is a significant statement of their belief in him and his potential. A deserved one, too.
Plays really well in a back three but wouldn’t currently trust him in the middle of a two. Always been intrigued by the idea of him as a left-back though, in the way Arsenal and Man City have been converting centre backs into full backs in recent years.
Yup! They have all “improved” in a back three. But as Udinese game showed, it was a complete disaster in a flat 4.