Deadline day: Inter Milan became Adem Ljajic’s third Serie A club, signing from AS Roma.
While British media linked Ljajic to both West Ham and Aston Villa, and even a swap deal with Manchester City – it was Inter Milan who confirmed his transfer on the 1st of September.
The attacking midfielder cost the Nerazzurri an initial €1.6M loan fee, with the option to purchase for a further €11M.
Ljajic: The Transition
Adem Ljajic is an extremely talented footballer – this is undeniable.
While his talent is not up for question, what we can ask is; if a player so capable of producing world class moments, will ever transition, becoming ‘a world class player’.
Still only 23-years-old, this is now Ljajic’s seventh Serie A season, and his third club (Fiorentina, Roma, Inter).
Despite his vast experience and time in the league, and positive contributions, Ljajic has failed to cement himself as a regular player.
Statistical Breakdown – Past Three Seasons
2012/13 – Fiorentina – 1624 minutes/ 11 goals/ 7 assists.
Ljajic’s final season at Fiorentina saw his best statistical return – Ljajic was directly accountable for 23% of Fiorentina’s goals, as his side finished fourth.
Despite this, Ljajic only started 21 matches, being substituted 18 times – completing a full 90 minutes three(!) times.
2013/14 – Roma – 1620 minutes/ 6 goals/ 6 assists
Roma saw Ljajic score six goals, and assist six more – in a season where he only started 19 matches (completing eight full 90 minutes).
2014/15 – Roma – 2022 minutes/ 8 goals/ 2 assists
Ljajic was available for 36 matches, appearing in 32 of those. In 23 matches Ljajic made the starting XI, but was removed 16 times – This means Ljajic only completed seven 90 minute matches.
Surprising? When you consider Ljajic was Roma’s club top scorer in the 2014/15 season – ‘shocking’ may be a more appropriate word.
Ljajic lacks match time – But why?
What these statistics reveal is Ljajic’s inability to acquire continuous playing time – they do not account for the reasons behind it.
Ljajic endured roller-coaster like campaigns at both his previous two Italian clubs; Fiorentina and Roma. Both for very different reasons.
Fiorentina:
Ljajic was only 18-years-old when he moved to Florence. He failed to score in his debut season, however in his second season he prevailed, scoring three times.
Despite growing to become widely known as one of Fiorentina’s most talented player, moments of brilliance were coupled with flashes of petulance and poor discipline, offering an explanation for his restricted playing time.
Roma:
Ljajic’s Roma story takes a different tone. Arguably one out of his control.
Roma persisted on playing a 4-3-3 consisting of three CM’s, two quick wingers and (usually) a false 9.
Ljajic has never been a central midfielder, and despite having the ability to play on the wings it is not a role best suited to him.
This leaves one position & Ljajic’s biggest problem: Francesco Totti.
Displacing Totti is unthinkable in Rome, and this is no insult to Ljajic, only a compliment to the former. Francesco Totti, club legend, is no easy man to displace.
Alternatively Ljajic was often deployed out wide winger positions, which do not utilize his strengths, rendering him less effective.
Inter Milan: A new chapter
Ljajic is yet to feature, he was an unused substitute in his first two matches for the club – but he is a very intriguing position at the club.
Roberto Mancini currently persists on using a two striker formation, with an attacking midfielder behind them.
Ljajic could potentially play off the main striker, and would most definitely thrive in the role currently occupied by Ivan Persic.
The task of displacing newly acquired Ivan Persic, versus club legend Francesco Totti from a starting XI is certainly one which favours the young Serb.
Alternatively Inter have the option to use last season’s joing top goal-scorer Mauro Icardi alone in attack, with 3 attacking midfielders in support (4-2-3-1) a formation which would allow Ljajic to play in all there of the attacking midfield spots.
Mancini recently claimed in his press conference that Ljajic “will become an important player for Inter”.
Overall, Inter Milan’s current setup, and system, is far more accommodating to Ljajic.
The final transition?
Ljajic’s deal with Inter Milan means that he could technically still return to the Italian capital.
“I want to stay at Roma for 10 years” – Adem Ljajic, 2014.
This will probably be Francesco Totti’s last season, he turns 39 next week and sadly his phenomenal career will eventually come to an end. This may become a tempting scenario.
While Ljajic’s time at Inter Milan is yet to be judged, a successful season, a successful transition, could see him becoming a very highly sought after asset, with a big decision to make.
>> Inter Milan face Hellas Verona on Tuesday 23rd September at 8:45pm local time.
The post Adem Ljajic – Transition To Stardom appeared first on IFD.
from IFD http://ift.tt/1LNWOw7
via IFTTT berita selengkapnya Follow @jadwalliga
