After a very tough start to the season, Luka Jovic has found his groove with three goals in the last three appearances for AC Milan. As a result, the January window plans could change for the Rossoneri, though next season is still uncertain.
As highlighted by our colleagues at SempreMilan.it, Jovic arrived on deadline day in the summer on a permanent basis from Fiorentina. The latter effectively terminated the Serbian’s contract, allowing him to sign a one-year deal with Milan.
Many thought he was finished, after the negative experiences at Real Madrid and his return to Eintracht Frankfurt. However, the 26-year-old has redeemed himself and is now starting to show his true qualities.
Three goals in the last three games
Jovic has scored three goals in eleven league appearances this season, but these numbers don’t tell the whole story. His style of play, made up of intelligent movements, coolness in front of goal, and ability to exploit spaces, proved to be perfect for Stefano Pioli’s 4-2-3-1.
When in need of a goal, the manager has often brought on the Serbian as a second striker alongside Olivier Giroud, with whom he has formed a complementary and lethal pair. The question now is if he will get the chance from start more, giving the Frenchman some rest.
His qualities are evident
In these last few weeks, Jovic has proved to be a complete striker, capable of scoring with both feet, his head and even with acrobatics. His best goal so far was the one scored against Salernitana, in the 90th minute, which rescued a point. It was a nice left-footed turn from Olivier Giroud’s header.
Most importantly, perhaps, the striker has self-confidence and smiles again after a difficult period both professionally and personally. At Milan, he has found a serene and stimulating environment, where he was welcomed and supported by his teammates, the staff and the fans.
Jovic still has ample room for improvement, especially from a physical and continuity point of view. His goal is to confirm himself at a high level and to convince Milan to keep him next season too. The Serbian has all it takes to become the Rossoneri’s striker of the future and to repay the trust that the club has placed in him.
Jovic’s future at Milan
As for his future, the current deal will expire at the end of the season and Milan have an option to renew him for another 1-2 years. Should he continue like this, then the Rossoneri could keep him as a deputy striker to compete with a new arrival.
Furthermore, the No.9 role has become less urgent in January and Milan can now focus more on the defence, where there is truly a crisis. The Rossoneri are following strikers both for January and the summer, but at least Jovic’s recent resurgence means it’s not an absolute must in the middle of the season.
In the summer, Giorgio Furlani and Geoffrey Moncada will have to make in-depth evaluations of the position. Olivier Giroud’s contract will also expire and although it seems he will renew, Milan will most likely sign a new striker as well. Then, perhaps, Jovic’s renewal could complete the department for the 2024-25 season.
Let jovic Play!
Sol invictus ☀️
Seems to be very much a confidence player. Sadly, it’s a commodity which is in short supply around Milanello at the moment, and Pioli is not great when it comes to inspiring confidence in his players.
But we still need another prolific striker just in case injury comes to striker, and we may never get Serhou for under 20m again, and Popovic’s still unclear if he will ever play in senior team
If Jovic keeps on improving, then a Jovic-Guirassy rotation/partnership could work out for a season or 2.
We still need a striker signing to provide cover for a 37yo giroud leaving the squad this year or the next, he’s not getting younger as much as I like him.
How about Jovic – Zirkszee?
I think it would be great if liverpool bought him on Christmas day he can play as false 9 or striker
I’d love to see Jovic get the start against Sassuolo. Honestly, the Giroud-Jovic combo has worked well, Makes me wonder if the formation switch we need is to some for of a 2-striker formation that incorporates our wingers, i.e., not 3-5-2. The options are 4-4-2 and 4-2-4, but the former would mean the wingers would have to do a lot of defensive work. Leao doesn’t know what the word means and Pulisic doesn’t have the physique for it. That leaves 4-2-4, and with the condition our defense is in it may be suicidal.
Let him play more then. Let him start. Stop leaving him on the bench. He obviously is scoring now when he plays. He’s better suited as a starter.
The choice of striker should be left up to the incoming coach in the summer. Jovic has done well with the limited time he has had. Pioli has a hard on for Giroud anyway, no matter who comes in.
Jovic can hold up play without the useless flicks (that only work once out of ten attempts anyway). Sure he doesn’t have Oli’s presence in the box but he compensates for that with poaching and mobility.
I think Striker should be left alone until the summer seeing as to how many other pressing needs we have.