Fri Nov 11, 2016 10:18 am
Opposition ones to watch: Serbia
By Tom Prosser
Friday 11th November 2016
Wales have a tough task to defeat Serbia on Saturday evening but who which players will Chris Coleman’s men need to keep quiet in order to secure all three points?
Serbia have a very talented and experience squad with many of their players being based in Europe’s top league’s such as the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A. They are currently ranked 43 in the world but in reality this is false position.
We take a look at the current group leaders key players ahead of Saturday’s crucial game;
Vladimir Stojkovic
The Nottingham Forest Goalkeeper has lots of experience on the international stage with 60 caps to his name. He has also featured in two World Cups and the 2008 Olympics for his country.
The 33-year-old joined Forest from Maccabi Haifa this summer and has since made 11 Championship appearances. He played in Cardiff’s 2-1 win over Forest last month and he palmed Aron Gunnarsson’s header into the goal to give the Bluebirds the lead.
He did not seem the most confident of Goalkeepers and I think Wales should test him from distance as he’s been known to the fumble the ball on a few occasions.
Aleksandar Kolarov
Kolarov needs no introduction to Wales fans about how good of player he is. The two-time Premier League winner with Man City made his international debut in 2008 and now has 66 caps to his name.
The left back has a lethal left foot and can be dangerous from free kicks and set pieces. The 30-year-old is arguably the complete modern full back, not only does he provide Serbia with an attacking threat but he is more than solid at the back and is rarely caught out of position.
Kolarov scored for Serbia in infamous 6-1 defeat four years ago. So far this season, he has played 17 times for Man City in all competitions.
Branislav Ivanovic
Ivanovic is the Serbia captain and is expected to win his 91st cap for his country at the Cardiff City stadium on Saturday. He made his international debut in 2005 and has won the Serbian player of the year twice.
The Chelsea right back is a no-nonsense defender who is particularly strong in the air. It is likely that Ivanovic will be tasked with marking Gareth Bale during corners in what will be a very competitive aerial battle between the pair.
The 32-year-old joined Chelsea in 2008 and has won everything there is to be won in the game since his arrival at Stamford Bridge.
Aleksandar Mitrovic
The Newcastle United Striker is expected to lead the line for Serbia on Saturday and he will be hoping to add to his two goals against Austria last month.
Mitrovic started against Cardiff last weekend for Newcastle and he has scored five goals in his 10 appearances for the Magpies so far this season. He arrived in England from Anderlecht in 2015 and he scored nine goals in the Premier League for Newcastle last season.
The 22-year-old’s club team-mate Paul Dummett is in the Wales squad for Saturday and the pair could come up against each other due to injuries to Ben Davies and James Collins.
Star Man – Dusan Tadic
The Southampton attacking midfielder is Serbia’s match winner and can take games away from his opponents in a flash. Tadic has scored three goals for Serbia to date in this qualifying campaign.
The 27-year-old is a very creative player and claimed three assists in Southampton’s 4-2 win over Man City last season, he became only the fourth player in Premier League history to set up three or more goals in one match.
Tadic has 41 caps for Serbia and has scored 11 goals for his country the first of which came against Wales in the 6-1 defeat.