As more young players mature, we are of the opinion that there will be more and more competition in senior rugby. Where there is quantity, there can be quality. Looking at the generations in the last 20 years, we cannot say that we have had large numbers in continuity, on the contrary. The situation is not great even now, but we are far more numerous than before. That is why we think that quality should be nurtured and honed in the younger categories.
We can now say that the first year of Michel Milović’s mandate is very successful. Three victories were achieved against Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey, as well as a narrow defeat against Bulgaria away 14-11. Apart from the resultant success, the spirit of the national team has returned. A clear system of play in attack and defense has been established, statics have been drastically improved, open play has become one of the main weapons Fast gameplay and a clear system that allows players to further emphasize their qualities.
Anyone who has been following Milović’s work for a long time can notice that he pays a lot of attention to young talents. During his first term at the helm of Serbia, several young players were given the opportunity to show off. This is also the case with the second mandate, where young people very much justified their trust, above all Pećanac, Voštić, Stošić, Tatomir as well as the player from France Damien Božić who not only provided great games, but also established himself as the team leader.
Our opinion is that the selector Milović should test young players who come from younger categories every year. To slowly introduce them to the game system. To get acquainted with their qualities and way of playing. To build a foundation for the future, when these players will, when they grow up, take over the responsibility and part of the national jersey. We have compiled a list of six players who should be given special attention in the autumn part of the competition cycle. The list includes players who are adults and who will be adults by the end of the year.
David Pal
flanker
YOB: 2003.
Hight: 180цм
Weight 88кг
Comparison: Josh Navidi
When you try to single out a special characteristic of a player like David, the first thing that comes to mind is that he is everywhere on the field. A player who works for his team and gives everything. A real flanker that works non-stop throughout the match In the attack, he is excellent in contact, physically strong, we can say “victim” of rugby 7, because he shrank and formed into a physical force on the field. He is always well placed, positioning on both sides of the field is excellent. Excellency in ruck, great defensive effort in ruck. Very good at statics. Disciplined player. What is perhaps the greatest characteristic is the sacrifice in defense. Dinamo engine in defense.
Danijel Stojanović
Position: flanker, number 8
YOB: 2004.
Hight: 185цм
Weight: 107кг
Comparison: George Smith
In the younger categories, absolute strength in attack and defense. His original positions were a prop and a hooker, but he is one of the “victims” of rugby seven, where he transformed into an incredibly mobile scrum player. Very strong in contact, safe ball carier. He has a modern approach in contact and that is to always have the option to offer offload when there is an accompanying player. Very good at accompanying and cleansing rucks. In defense he attacks ruck, he attacks the ball in ruck, he is excellent in positioning around ruck He is very aggressive in defense, from which he often wins the ball and forms a counterattack. He reads the game well on both sides of the field. He is excellent in statics, he does his job in the third line at a high level. It works great in the lineout forming a mole. He has experience in playing in the first league. He played for the U18 national team of Serbia. He played for the national team of Serbia in rugby 7.
Milan Kuzmanović
Position:center
YOB: 2004.
Hight 176цм
Weight: 75кг
Comparison: Manuel Contepomi
A player who likes to create actions, who likes to take responsibility. He has a very good overview of the game. The most dangerous for the opponent is when he is on the edge of contact with the ball. In those cases, he makes great decisions where he creates space for his teammates and for himself. Its main feature is finding space. He has an excellent tactical shot that performs very intelligently. He is very good in defense, he anticipates the opponent’s attack well, he can often read the game and cut the ball. He is great at creating counter attacks. He played for the U18 selection this season.
Nemanja Lazić
Position: center, flanker
YOB:2004.
Height: 184цм
Weight: 98кг
Comparison: Stirling Mortlock
If you want to make Michel Milović happy in training, bring him a fast and physically strong center. He will say something in French and will not take off his smile until the end of the training. Nemanja is just such a player. He can play equally well in the center position, as well as in the third line. Its main feature is fast and strong defence line break. Simply, a player who can win 30-40 meters in possesion. He is an excellent companion, he does not lose momentum when a teammate passes off to him, so he is very deadly. Very strong in ruck and contact. He is good in defense, that is his weak point, but nothing that cannot be corrected. Disciplined player.
Momčilo Kralj
Position:Flyhalf
YOB: 2004.
Heigh: 183цм
Weight: 80кг
Comparason Reece Hodge
A very intelligent and smart player, whose game seems to have been in senior rugby for ten years. За нас, прави модерни отварач, који брзо размишља и који отвара лопту јако брзо ка саиграчима. That is his greatest feature, speed and game in the game system, because he understands and reads the game very well. Communication and attitude in the attack of teammates is at a high level. The intention to set up a good game structure was clearly seen. A grateful coach for coaching because he clearly listens and executes the coach’s ideas. Every coach’s dream, his extended arm on the field. He is excellent in defense, almost unbeatable in the younger categories. Great setting, communication. Highly disciplined game in defense and excellent positioning.
Marko Košpić
Position: scrumhalf, wing, fullback
YOB: 2004
Height: 180цм
Weight: 70кг
Comparason: Teddy Thomas
Extremely fast player. Incredible acceleration in the first two steps. It is as effective in the position of the demi as in the position of the wing or rear. A player who likes to make decisions, loves responsibility, and thus participates in creating the game both in defense and attack. He has a precise and fast dog that is able to throw at full speed. He is very dangerous when he is close to the opponent’s line of defense. He takes responsibility in defense. Let’s take the example of the U18 match against Croatia, when he dressed the opposing player in the very finish of the match and brought victory to Serbia. The player we made a big mistake in the editorial office when we made the list of TOP 10 players in the U18 junior competition.
