Kosta Nedeljković performance improvement as Rangers’ Serb shines | OneFootball

After Serbian media was rather critical of Kosta Nedeljković’s performance against the Netherlands in the Nations League qualifiers, Ibrox Noise was delighted to see a much improved display from Rangers’ deputy right back. The on loan Aston Villa defender has not had many minutes at Rangers as yet. He’s made just the one start at Falkirk. That match itself was not the best for the youngster, as he scored a rather painful own goal. He also did not especially sparkle in that particular fixture. However, the latest Kosta Nedeljković performance offered more encouragement.

Kosta Nedeljković performance improves

As we have discussed before, Nedeljković has been completely relegated to deputy. Currently Dujon Sterling is by far the first choice at right back. So getting the call up to Serbia would have offered some pleasant relief for the youngster. Sadly for the on loan Villa man, his performance against the Dutch was not the best. Serbian local press rated him rather lowly.

They would have been a bit more pleased by his performance against Germany. Jurgen Klopp’s all new shiny Bavarian stompers, of course, are a whole new era for the European giants. It was quite the task for Serbia to face them. The first 20 minutes in this one did indeed see a few shaky moments from Rangers’ man as he started at right back with the number two shirt. However, he grew into the match and although Serbia lost, he offered a bit more stability as time wore on.

Nedeljković earns stronger rating

Indeed, the stats site confirmed that Nedeljković was Serbia’s second top rated player in this match (behind just Erakovic), even though his score was still not outstanding. He was still rated Serbia’s second best player overall, which is a distinct improvement upon the rather flat display he showed against the Oranje. Therefore, this Kosta Nedeljković performance represented a definite step forward for the young defender.

Nedeljković has a bit of an issue at Rangers. He came to Ibrox amid a fair chunk of fanfare, given the fact that he was a Premier League defender with Aston Villa who had the future ahead of him. He was just waiting for the right club to excel at, and with a number of senior Serbia caps, he appeared to be somebody with the world at his feet.

Rangers minutes remain limited

Unfortunately, with only 31 appearances in senior football since leaving Serbia, the right back has found the going tough. He has only made around 10 starts since leaving his homeland. This includes, of course, Rangers, where he has made just that one start at Falkirk. However, getting a better display for his country and indeed a second start in a row would have boosted his confidence.

He is currently going to struggle for minutes at Rangers. Indeed, we covered the article regarding the misunderstanding in the press about clubs seeking his signature, where in fact he was simply seeking himself more than anything else. He still seems to need to find his footing. However, he will have that speck more confidence after surviving against Germany.

Kosta Nedeljković faces competition

He is still a young player, let us not forget, who is learning his trade. And of course defenders peak at a much later age than attackers. Consequently, we do wish him the best at Rangers. Alas we cannot see him playing a lot as long as Sterling remains as robust at right back.

But time will tell. For now, at least, the Kosta Nedeljković performance against Germany has secured him a better international outing in a fairly meaningful senior match.