Nikola Milenković (foto: Getty Images)
Serbian defender Nikola Milenković has become one of the standout signings in the Premier League, with Jamie Carragher hailing his presence at Nottingham Forest.
Serbian defenders have long had a strong tradition in the Premier League, with two players standing out for leaving a lasting impact. Nemanja Vidić is still regarded as one of the best central defenders ever to grace the league, while Branislav Ivanović was a mainstay in Chelsea’s defense for almost a decade.
Following in their footsteps, Nikola Milenković made his move to England this summer after developing his skills at Partizan and Fiorentina. His leadership qualities are well known, with Serbian national team coach Dragan Stojković even giving him the captain's armband for their match against Spain.
Milenković, described as a defender built for the physical battles of English football, has impressed many, including legendary Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher. Carragher singled out the 26-year-old Serbian as a prime example of a "proper defender."
"This guy, Nikola, looks like a real and in many ways, a top defender. I think Nottingham Forest can’t believe they didn’t have to pay a lot of money for him. Just think of all the players they’ve brought in over the last few years. Today, Forest is a team where you think about whether they’ll keep a clean sheet. They have two really outstanding central defenders," Carragher said on Sky Sports.
Carragher also praised the partnership between Murillo and Milenković, calling it one of the best in the league.
"I love his style of play. A proper defender. When you look at Murillo’s height (he’s 184 cm) you might wonder if a top club would bring him in. But Milenković is a man-mountain. And when you consider the price Forest paid Fiorentina for him, you realize they’ve done an incredible piece of business."
Nottingham Forest paid €14.3 million to Fiorentina for Milenković this summer, and it’s already proving to be a bargain for the club.