Five of the best Serbian players in Premier League history | OneFootball

England take on Serbia this evening in FIFA World Cup qualification. It’s sure to be a white-hot atmosphere in Belgrade, against a Serbia side with ambitions of catching the group-leading Three Lions.

Serbia have produced some serious talent over the years, with many spending time in the Premier League. Ahead of tonight’s clash, we’ve picked out five of the best Serbian players in Premier League history.

Five of the best Serbian players in Premier League history

Nemanja Vidic

Nemanja Vidic has a strong argument as the Premier League’s best Serbian import. Recruited from Spartak Moscow in the 2006 January transfer window, Vidic overcame a shaky start to become a club great at Manchester United. The centre-back went on to play 300 times for the club over nine seasons, winning five Premier League titles, three League Cups, and a Champions League.

He was twice voted Premier League Player of the Season and is one of just five defenders to have won the award. A commanding and brave central defender, he formed a formidable understanding with Rio Ferdinand that served as the backbone of a decorated period for the club.

Branislav Ivanovic

Branislav Ivanovic was another who took time to settle before becoming a huge favourite. Ivanovic joined Chelsea from Lokomotiv Moscow in January 2008 and did not make an appearance in his first six months at Stamford Bridge. From there, the burly defender went from strength to strength, winning plaudits for his full-blooded commitment.

Ivanovic won nine major trophies at Chelsea, including three Premier League titles and the Champions League. He developed a knack for scoring important goals, including a Champions League brace at Liverpool and a dramatic late winner in the 2013 Europa League final.

His 105 caps for Serbia rank behind only record appearance maker Dusan Tadic.

Nemanja Matic

Nemanja Matic made just two league appearances during his first spell at Chelsea, before the Blues recognised their mistake and re-signed the midfielder from Benfica three years after his sale. The £21m fee proved to be a bargain, as Matic became the enforcer needed in two title-winning teams. His first full season saw Matic impress alongside N’Golo Kante, earning inclusion in the PFA Team of the Year.

He made 151 appearances for Chelsea over four seasons before a £40m transfer to Manchester United. Though team honours proved elusive at Old Trafford, he was a stalwart of the side.

Dusan Tadic

Dusan Tadic’s best football has come post-Premier League, but the Serbian schemer was an important part of a talented Southampton side.

Tadic joined the Saints from FC Twente in 2014 and helped the club to three consecutive top-seven finishes in the Premier League. During his debut season, he equalled the Premier League record for assists in a single game (4), during an 8-0 win over Sunderland. He was directly involved in 47 goals in 134 league appearances.

Tadic signed for Ajax in 2018, where he won three Eredivisie titles and the league’s top scorer and Player of the Season awards. The most-capped player in Serbia’s history, he represented the national team 111 times.

Aleksandar Mitrovic

Aleksandar Mitrovic first arrived in England at Newcastle United, but failed to establish himself at St James’ Park. A move to Fulham transformed his fortunes, where the Serbian striker scored 111 goals in five-and-a-half seasons.

Though he suffered some criticism over his ability to perform in the Premier League, Mitrovic twice reached 10+ goals in a top-flight campaign for Fulham, in addition to his record-breaking feats in the Championship.

He netted 14 times in just 24 league games during his final season, before a £50m move to Saudi Arabia. A whopping 68 goals in 79 games followed for Al-Hilal before this summer’s switch to Qatar’s Al Rayyan.

Serbia’s all-time leading scorer, he has netted a remarkable 62 goals in 101 caps.

Read – The biggest ever Premier League transfer spends adjusted for inflation

See more – Four talking points ahead of Serbia vs England

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