AliousNottingham Forest’s summer acquisition of Nikola Milenkovic from Fiorentina for £12 million is rapidly proving to be one of the club’s most impactful signings in recent memory. The 26-year-old Serbian international has seamlessly integrated into the team, forming a formidable partnership with Murillo in the heart of Forest’s defense.
Milenkovic’s performances have not gone unnoticed on the international stage either. During the recent international break, he earned widespread acclaim for his displays while captaining the Serbian national team. His style of play and rapid adaptation to the Premier League have drawn comparisons to his compatriot and former Manchester United stalwart, Nemanja Vidic, suggesting Milenkovic is well-suited to the rigors of English football.
The defender’s influence was particularly evident in Forest’s recent 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. In a match where several Forest players impressed, including goalkeeper Matz Sels who received high praise from pundit Ally McCoist, Milenkovic’s leadership qualities shone through.
A telling moment occurred in the dying minutes of the game, with Forest down to ten men following James Ward-Prowse’s dismissal. As some of his teammates, including Ryan Yates and Jota Silva, attempted to run down the clock by keeping the ball in the corner, Milenkovic was visibly frustrated with this conservative approach. He was seen urging his colleagues to push for a winner, demonstrating his winning mentality and belief in the team’s capabilities.
Milenkovic’s instincts were nearly rewarded when, in the final seconds of injury time, Jota Silva had a header brilliantly saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. This incident underscored Milenkovic’s astute reading of the game and his desire to maximize every opportunity, even in challenging circumstances.
The Serbian’s leadership qualities have not gone unnoticed, with many viewing him as potential captain material for Forest. While this is no slight on current captaincy options Ryan Yates and Morgan Gibbs-White, Milenkovic’s experience of leading his national team at just 26 years of age speaks volumes about his character and influence on the pitch.
Since missing the season opener against Bournemouth due to a suspension carried over from his time in Italy, Milenkovic has been an ever-present figure in the Forest backline. His commanding presence and ability to organize the defense have been crucial to the team’s performances.
Milenkovic’s winning mentality and refusal to settle for less than the best are qualities that align perfectly with Forest’s ambitions. His actions in the closing stages of the Chelsea match epitomize his competitive spirit and desire to push the team forward at every opportunity.
As Milenkovic continues to impress with his performances and leadership, there’s a growing sense that it may not be long before he’s officially donning the captain’s armband at the City Ground. His impact both on and off the pitch suggests that Forest have not only secured a top-class defender but also a potential future leader of the club.
Alious
