ASSESSING THE RE-EMERGENCE OF LUKA JOVIC AT MILAN

Serbian striker Luka Jovic is witnessing a rennaisance of sorts at Serie A giants Milan and it has been rather unexpected. But it is a re-emergence that is certainly helping the Rossoneri a fair bit.

The Serbian had scored a vital goal yesterday to help Milan beat Frosinone and he has always scored vital goals for the side. When the 26-year-old joined Milan in the summer from Fiorentina, his stock was at an all time low. He had faced criticism at La Viola for not scoring enough goals and for behavioral issues after the Conference League final against Fiorentina.

Fiorentina had put in some effort to land him, after all. The deal to sign him from Real Madrid was an unusual one. He had arrived at the Franchi on a free transfer, but Real had sought to pay his wages for two seasons instead of paying a compensation for termination. After two years, Jovic had the option to join another club and Real would have a hefty sell-on clause.

But it didn’t turn out to be a sweet stint at all. Milan made a surprise move for him on deadline day, signing him on a one-year deal, suggestive of the fears they had about him considering the recent past. And Milan fans believed that it was an underwhelming move, as other targets couldn’t be signed by the Rossoneri before the Serbian landed in the city.

Fast forward to 4th of February, 2024, things seem very different. Jovic scored against Frosinone and it was his fifth of the league season. The rest of his goals have come during vital junctures in games. He had grabbed a goal and an assist against Frosinone in the reverse fixture, scoring a vital equaliser against Salernitana in a tight game. His next came against Udinese, where Milan were 2-1 down and seemed to be losing grip of the game. But Jovic made it 2-2, with Noah Okafor grabbing the late winner.

How long this re-emergence lasts remains to be seen but it is refreshing to see the Serbian do what he does best.