We have to be honest, that we really enjoyed writing this article. The main reason is that we have a lot of material for analysis. In U18s, we have five teams in the competition, RK Čelik from Zenica is the sixth team to participate. As a well-established rule, we are making a list of the top ten players from Serbia. We also note that we will only consider players born in 2003. and in 2004. . The list was made at the end of the third tournament. The fourth tournament that is on the program on Saturday, May 28, remains to be played in Starčevo starting at 11:00h.
The players in the U18s competition have already been formed and well trained, and have several seasons behind them in the youth rugby. Several players have not only made their debut in the senior competition, but also have a significant role. When we say significant role, we mean great minutes and that they have freedom in decision-making situation. If each of the players would fulfill their full potential, we think we are on the right track.
ТОP 10 U18s
1.Ivan Voštić
Position: fullback, wing
YOB: 2003
Comparison: Liam Williams
Convincing first place. Unstoppable in 7s rugby. A player who has an excellent overview of the game, and that is not his greatest quality. Physically very dominant player, strong, stable, fast, with excellent technique. Let’s just mention that he also played three games for the senior national team, so this choice is obvious. His main flaw is that he is not aware of his strength and speed in the senior competition, where he obviously has great respect for more experienced players. There is no rival in the competition of U18s, as the results show, where Dinamo did not lose a single game.
2.Danijel Stojanović
Position: flanker, number 8
YOB: 2004.
Comparison: George Smith
7s rugby is definitely not suitable for bigger scrum players, however Daniel showed a great game. That is exactly why he took second place, because he provided a great game outside of his position. Physically, he is definitely the best in the junior competition. He is equally dominant in defense and attack. A player who makes good decisions, especially in defense where he won every duel. He was challenged to play in line in7s rugby format, which led to the fact that he become extremely mobile. A player who played prop, and we are of the opinion that now the real old school is the third line from the beginning of the 2000s. The main flaw is discipline. A player who has all the predispositions to be dominant in senior rugby must pay special attention to discipline.
3.Milan Kuzmanović
Position: center
YOB: 2004.
Comparison: Manuel Contepomi
The brain of the operation in Dinamo. A player who makes decisions and who plays the players. A player who is not afraid to take responsibility. In U18 7s, he created his team’s action, and used the speed of his teammates. According to us, what Milan needs to work on is physical strength, a player in his position and way of playing must be maximally physically ready. Discipline must also be worked on, the decision-maker must be an example to others, if you want to be a leader you must first and foremost be a leader by example
4.Dejan Krkljuš
Position: wing
YOB: 2004.
Comparison: Nehe Milner-Skudder
Currently the best scorer of the Serbian Cup for U18s. It is characterized by high speed and explosiveness to the maximum it makes when running at 80 percent. Excellent racing physical predispositions. In attack, especially in rugby 7, few can stop him 1 on 1 when there is enough space. Ivan Voštić would stop him, but they play in the same team. He must definitely work on disciplines. One of the reasons why he is not in the second position is the red card he received in the last tournament. Disciplined players do not leave their team in the lurch. He definitely has to work on positioning in defense. A good positioning in attack and defense always gives an advantage in the game.
5.Momčilo Kralj
Position: flyhalf, scrumhalf
YOB: 2004.
Поређење: Reece Hodge
A player who plays very well both in defense and attack. We give special emphasis on defense, where hardly anyone can escape in space, and in direct contact he is excellent and imperishable. He prefers to create in attack, but after he gets rid of the ball, he becomes static instead of moving more aggressively. We would like to see him more often in situations when he needs to make a decision in the attack. Very intelligent player. If he worked extra on physical strength, we are of the opinion that he would grow into an above-average player.
6.David Pal
Position: flanker
YOB: 2003.
Comparison: Josh Navidi
If we had decided last season to open a rugby magazine, and make an article of the TOP 10 U18s players, the popular Brka would be absolutely in the first place. And there is still no story. He came out of a very awkward injury this season. However, he shows that he still has rugby in his arms and legs. It is still adorned with strong defenses as well as excellent support in and around rucks. Great anticipation of the ofload. A rugby graduate who has to prove himself in the senior competition. It is required to work on physical strength. As a player whose natural position is now the third line, he must be aggressive and concentrated in defense. Disciplined enough not to punish and on the other hand agile enough to put pressure on the opponent.
7.Nemanja Lazić
Position: center, wing
YOB:2004.
Comparison: Stirling Mortlock
We just enjoyed watching the mix of Nemanja’s speed and physical strength. Huge potential and great attacking power. And not only that, but he knows how to use the space and in that way he is quite difficult to tackle. A player who has so much room to progress that it’s amazing. On the other hand, the defense is quite problematic, where he does not use his physical predispositions at all. He definitely needs to work harder on that. Мора побољшати подршку у нападу, јер мислимо да би био апсолутно незадржив када би покупио пас из офлоуда у пуној брзини. Disciplined player. Sweet torment for the coach.
8.Strahinja Adžić
Position: flyhalf
YOB: 2004.
Comparison: Chris Ashton
The main characteristic of the player is the support, and there is no equal. He has a great anticipation of what his teammates will do and is always in the right place at the right time. However, the honeymoon of the younger categories is slowly coming to an end, and Strahinja has to work hard on her physical strength and readiness. The position of the opener is very demanding in rugby and he must be as ready as possible to be able to respond to challenges. He must improve the left and right pass, the speed and accuracy of the ball. The defense is also problematic, but its defensive positioning is at a high level.
9.Jovan Krsmanović
Position: scrumhalf
YOB: 2003.
Comparison: Agustín Pichot
Very fast and smart player. From him, we are used to using the space between the crabs, a real temptation for the opponent’s defense. Unfortunately, the injury prevented him from showing more in the tournament, but he was very effective while he was in the game. The format of 7s is inconvenient for demi, so we sincerely hope to see it in rugby 15 soon. Physically quite solid, but he definitely has to work harder on individual training. He must be more aggressive and put non-stop pressure on the opponent’s defensive line. He can be impassable in defense, but he must take the lead and encourage his teammates with his example.
10.Igor Lučić
Position: flanker
YOB: 2003.
Comparison: Justin Tipurić
He can be impassable in defense, but he must take the lead and encourage his teammates with his example. He is physically ready, but he needs more body weight for positions in the scrum. He surprised us with his speed and strength at full speed. What makes us happy is his will and discipline, and we are of the opinion that if he is directed in the right way, he can grow into a top player. He needs to work on support, whether to receive offload or to provide cancer quickly. He is excellent in tackling, but often falls asleep in defensive positioning. Good positioning without the ball creates an advantage in both defense and attack.
