Pavlovic a born leader to protect the Milan defence | OneFootball

With Strahinja Pavlovic joining Milan, Wayne Girard writes he’s a marquee signing of a true born leader that will protect the Rossoneri’s backline for years to come.

‘Strahinja,’ a name that symbolises strength and fortitude throughout the Balkans. One which was given to those to protect them against evil spirits, driving fear into and casting the demons out. Folklore, surely, but perhaps something’s there as to how Milan see their new signing as protector of their realm. Like many great leaders before him, he even enjoys reading the classicals and historical essays.

Strahinja Pavlovic, who measures at 194cm, is a fortress of a man. Given his speed, strength, and aerial ability, he was given his professional start at just 17 years of age for Serbian side Partizan Belgrade. It’s astounding to think he’s almost six years into professional football, having just turned 23. Pavlovic became a mainstay for Partizan alongside the veteran Bojan Ostojic, proving an impressive pair as the capital side picked up a Serbian Cup over blood rivals Red Star Belgrade. Red Star’s fans won’t appreciate the comparison to their legend, but Pavlović was showing signs eerily reminiscent of Nemanja Vidić.

Scouted quickly, he almost came to Italy before the new decade with Lazio, but the deal fell through at the last minute. The Serbian then became an investment for AS Monaco, but faced two loans – first to Cercle Brugge and then Basel – after becoming fifth choice for Croatian Niko Kovač’s team. Deciding he needed consistent playing time and a guaranteed home, Pavlović transferred to the developmental hotbed of Red Bull Salzburg.

In Austria, he gelled instantly. As a set starter, he secured Red Bull’s gates as they marched to the Bundesliga title. After 71 appearances and six goals, an Italian team requested info for him once again, but this time, it was one going through a prosperous revolution with a new, innovative manager.

Pavlovic can be Milan present and future

“It is a dream come true. I remember when I played at San Siro two years ago, the atmosphere was incredible. I can’t wait to play here, but this time with the fans cheering for me,” Pavlovic said in his first words for Milan. He took No.31, just like a former Rossoneri legend known for his physicality and prowess, Jaap Stam.

Forming a strong business relationship between the two clubs last year with the signing of  Noah Okafor, the €18m will be seen as a savvy number in a short time. Ironically, the two share a same birthday, with the winger just one year older (born 2000).

Paulo Fonseca must be relishing this signing, as the Serbian gives him a guarantee in the back that will allow a heavy press from central positions, reinforcing possession in the opponent’s half. Given that he scored three headers last season, he gets an added threat from the corner kicks as well.

Fonseca gets not only young blood in the back, but someone who his club can rely on immediately, as well as for the coming years. Pavlovic is more than just a footballer, but a modern military general who draws inspiration from the great strategists in antiquity and brings it out to the football pitch.