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EXCLUSIVE: Juventus scout Jovanovic, the "New Vidic"
The latter is a hero to the newest talent to emerge from Red Star Belgrade's youth setup, Vukasin Jovanovic. Along with Andrija Zivkovic and Marko Grujic (a major Inter target), the 19-year-old Belgrade native is among the young Serbians who are being scouted by Europe's elite... including Juventus.
But who is Vukasin Jovanovic? Well, he was brought to Red Star aged 10 by Tomislav Milicevic, a man known for his preternatural scouting instincts.
He's a lively kid, and his lack of dedication was brought up until two years ago. He got his head straight when an injury and suspension crisis in defence compelled the Under 19 side to call him up for the 2013 European Championships.
Then again, being a kid isn't all bad, with Jovanovic bursting into tears when the Under 20 team triumphed at the World Cup in New Zealand earlier this year.
Jovanovic is a dedicate and passionate Red Star player, even emulating his hero Vidic in a press conference before a recent derby, telling media that his dream was to score against Partizan and celebrate it with the fans.
Unlike the current Inter defender, he has yet to manage a goal, but he has a fascinating toolkit, including a strong personality (despite his size), which had led him to pester his coach to play in big games. "In matches where we have to get physical, I'm there". He is also respectful towards his elders, including former Udinese defender Aleksandr Lukovic, who has taken him under his wing.
So what does Jovanovic bring? He can play both at the back and in front of the defence, as he did in New Zealand. Fantastic at man-marking, he's speedy and is nearly 6 ft 3, allowing him to dominate the box. Great at anticipating and reading the game, the 19-year-old still needs to beef up.
A starter for the second half of last season, he is now a key component of a Red Star team that has racked up 18 wins and 2 draws out of 20.
So who is interested in him? Juventus are in pole, who need someone to partner Rugani in replacing the ageing trio of Bonucci, Barzagli and Chiellini. He's worth around €2 million, something Fiorentina will be tempted by, as they have followed him for a long time after launching Matija Nastatis'c career.
Then again, Red Star's director of youth visited Juventus' set up, with encouraging news for the Turinese side with regards to a future deal.
