Aleksandar Mitrovic made his World Cup debut this afternoon, starting Serbia’s well deserved 1-0 win over Costa Rica – and his performance has provoked a very mixed reaction from both Newcastle and Fulham fans.
With us knowing he’s almost certain to leave this summer, many on Tyneside were hoping he performed (to drive up his potential price tag), although Fulham fans would’ve been hoping he didn’t look TOO good to keep their hopes of signing him this summer intact.
It was a mixed bag of a performance. He looked an absolute powerhouse – bullying their defence, holding up the ball and linking the play well – however he should have done much much better when presented with two big one on ones.
Here’s what fans been said on Twitter following his performance this afternoon – starting with this Fulham fan who was clearly impressed with his all round game despite two big misses:
Mitrovic is so underrated. Loved him at #ffc but worried someone might blow us away with a bigger transfer and wages. #beast
— Steve Lillis (@stevelillis) June 17, 2018
“That move sums up everything about Mitrovic. Big, strong forward with great link up play…but just not good enough to rely on when the big moment comes. That’s why Rafa is right about him.”
“Mitrovic looks a real handful and I dare bet if he didn’t already play for us people would be all over twitter saying he’s the type of striker we’re looking for!”
“Mitrovic 99 physical power but 0 finishing accuracy”
“The Mitro I’ve watched today is very much the Mitro I’ve watched in a Newcastle shirt…. Hard graft, bullying defenders, getting into threatening areas with the ball but ultimately not being able to find the net.”
“Not gonna lie, that 20m price tag is fastly turning 10m judging by today’s display for Mitro. Fingers crossed any deal for him was done based on his last games performance and not this one!”
“Jesus, Mitrovic looking so strong”
“Much better than that danish striker (Jorgensen) we were supposed to be interested in!!! Would rather keep Mitro than him!!”
“Mitrovic of Newcastle is up front for Serbia, rather than Mitrovic of Fulham”
“Watching Mitrovic in todays match & still baffled at how he is/was behind Gayle, Joselu & Slimani..”
“Mitrovic could get the golden boot and I’d still support Rafa if he flogged him. Kids a liability and won’t work in a Benitez system unless Ashley allows Rafa to spend money to change style of play.”
“Mitro departs after 89 mins. Was a handful all game, but had 2 great opportunities to score & didn’t take them. Will be important to Serbia in next two games if they are to progress though”
“It’s a shame Mitro’s legs are seconds behind his brain”
“Not Mitro’s finest hour, but he was an ever-constant thorn in Costa Rica’s side. Still an effective offensive disruptor.”
Mitro! ?
He's held the ball up so well, linked the play and bullied the Costa Rican defence all afternoon, but two BIG one on ones wasted. Could & should have had two today. Frustrating – could've really raised his price tag!
— Black&WhiteBarmy (@BlackWhiteBarmy) June 17, 2018
What did you make of him folks?
Having watched both Denmark and now Serbia although neither Mitro or Jorgenson scored I thought Mitro looked the much better player.
Magpie 48(Quote)
Totally agree mate. Mitro much more of a nuisance and handful.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)