It has been a strange season so far for Luka Jovic, one which can be quite clearly split in half between his early struggles and the resurgence that followed with goals.
As MilanNews write, Jovic can be considered one of the most particular and even introverted players of this Milan squad at present, given that we very rarely hear much from him.
The Serbian has shown himself to be lethal in the penalty area especially as a substitute alongside Olivier Giroud. He has so far been the scorer of many important goals, the creator of decisive moments, but also the subject of suspensions and repeated benchings.
The difficulties and the rebirth
Having arrived on the last day of the summer transfer window, Jovic did not have the opportunity to reach and maintain an optimal physical condition during the preseason preparations.
Appearing weighed down and out of shape, we all remember the Serbian’s first months with the Rossoneri, where he underwent mostly individual training and then got a few minutes off the bench here and there to build rhythm.
Giroud’s form meanwhile – who has 14 goals and 9 assists this season – meant that it was not easy for Jovic to fit into Stefano Pioli’s plans, because there was no way that the Frenchman could realistically be dropped.
The spark came about in the match at San Siro against Frosinone: Milan won 3-0 and the former Real Madrid striker gave an assist for Fikayo Tomori and scored his first goal for the Rossoneri in the first half.
From there, the rebirth – with some hiccups such as the red card against Monza for a shove on Izzo – but definitely an improvement in his performance levels.
There are also games in Europe such as against Borussia Dortmund at San Siro (when he hit the post) and away at Newcastle (his entry proved decisive for the winning goal) where he gae his contribution.
The ex-Fiorentina striker is currently on eight goals in Serie A, the Coppa Italia and Europa League so far this season (plus an assist) so he is now hunting for double figures.
Doubts about the future
As also reported by MilanNews and by us, Jovic wants to convince Milan to keep him for next season given that they have an option to extend his contract by a further year.
However, everything will depend on the goals and performances from the No.15 between now and the end of may, with particular attention also directed towards the future of Giroud who may leave.
There is also another possible scenario that could occur: the possibility of re-discussing a new contract completely from scratch and therefore with a new salary.
Jovic’s entourage would like to focus on this hypothesis and they will meet the Milan directors in the next few days to talk about their client’s future, which thus still remains totally uncertain and full of doubts.
The doubt in my mind is we need to give players space, and we need to choose between Okafor and Jovic, and the former provides more options.
If we can sign a quality striker (a METAPHORICAL 40 Goal A Season Striker) then that can really lift us.
I don’t see Jovic being that striker.
But he’s done well with the limited time he’s had on the pitch.
I would not say he has done well this season. For the first half, he was not in shape to play or was invisible on the field. Which is potentially why we were out of UCL early, since Pioli could rely on Giroud only. He scored important goals after that but we need someone reliable from the start. It’s been “a strange season” for Jovic every season, he’s not reliable. I guess this is what you got by signing at the deadline a Fiorentina reject. Hopefully the bankers learned that lesson and will do better this summer.
It is good to have different profiles for the striker position.
Ideally a team would have 3
A targetman like Giroud
A poacher like Jovic
And a mobile, pacey striker
A mix of youth and experience is also good
Jovic is in his prime, age wise. He is a good poacher and plays best as part of a 2 striker attack, which is useful for variation.
We should certainly sign him up, it is 1 less gap to fill in the roster
He’s done well for a while but has recently faded. That’s not to say he hasn’t been important, but if he wants to convince anyone he needs to get back to scoring and quickly.