FPL_Astra

📊🇷🇸 Aleksandar Stanković, data report + genuine goal threat from long range and set pieces, Brugge's Pro League dominance has allowed him license to start box crashing some this season; in his senior career: 10 goals and 7.95 xGOT on 5.90 xG from 106 shots + excellent vision to deliver high level playmaking too; through ball volume + success rate is on par with elite attacking midfielders + ballistic missile range of pass that he uses on the regular, sees high volume of touches w/ Brugge so is comfortable on the ball in a high possession side + over 6 foot tall, wins in the air, good indicator of a physical floor + wins oop w/ positioning, doesn't commit a bunch of fouls - not a particularly strong or willing ball carrier, especially given his touch volume - does not duel, is not very good when he does engage - gaudy in possession could be a bit inflated by high touch volume, space on the ball that Brugge's dominance provides ➡️ A hyper-valuable profile in midfielder (in my opinion). As the modern game continues to emphasize athletes over technicians, the midfield prospect market will continue to over-index to the Carlos Baleba archetype: strong carriers, active oop, but lacking elements of control with passing and the ability to read first/react second. If a team is a boat, this profile is the engine, but Stankovic's is the rudder... you can't steer the boat without it. And the fact that he wins in the air too is beneficial for projecting physical proficiency to the top levels of the game. All that, and he could still contribute as a more advanced 8 due to his playmaking ability. His level as a prospect is like an 8/10, but his versatility + the value of the rudder role he can play make him one of the u21 must-track midfielders.

OPTA currently have it down as one!