“I am really very happy to join AS Saint-Étienne, a great, historic club, known beyond borders. This is a big step in my young career and I am very motivated to take on this challenge.”
“I can’t wait to meet my new teammates, my new stadium and its incredible fans“, declared Miladinovic at the time of his officialization.
Arrived from Serbia for 3 million euros during the summer transfer window, he has played…0 minutes since the start of the season. But why did you buy it? This is indeed a question that may arise among ASSE supporters. But then how to explain this?
Physical problems
The latter has not yet had the right to appear on the field. He seems not to be able to respond to the intensity of Ligue 1. But that will surprise no one, Olivier Dall'Oglio had highlighted this some time after his arrival:
“Igor is not yet physically ready for his hectic summer preparation. He joined us later, after two weeks of vacation. He is a small build, a dribbler, who still needs to work physically. But he is a boy who’s going to help us, it’ll just take more time.”
More than two months after his arrival, the Serbian has failed to establish himself in the rotation. The media But Sainté even relayed at the beginning of October that“It is rumored, from L'Etrat, that the young man, with his small size, is really far, physically, from the level required for L1”.
A situation which has not changed since the 21-year-old player has been playing with the reserves since he arrived in the Loire and scored a goal.
Undeniable technical quality
Indeed, this is what convinced the Saint-Etienne board, which is currently targeting a Ligue 2 striker, to recruit him this winter. “Igor is a young player who will discover another football. We will take the time with him, accompany him. He’s a boy who offers a lot of activity in midfield.”
“His technical touch should be a plus for us, his creativity as well. He is capable of scoring and creating goal situations. This is what interested us in his profile“, recalled Olivier Dall'Oglio at the time of his signing.
But unfortunately for the Greens, all the qualities he has have not yet been put to the benefit of the first team.
Present in the group during matches
Although he does not yet have a minute on the clock in the championship, the one who is under contract with ASSE until 2028 is regularly present in the group.
Olivier Dall'Oglio, who could register a new recruit this winter, calls on him without giving him playing time. Surprising as a choice, as the Greens are far from being the most efficient in the offensive sector.
With 10 goals scored since the start of the season, the Stéphanois are one of the worst attacks in the championship. Only Le Havre does less well (8). So will this international break do Igor Miladinovic any good? Response in two weeks…
A big fan of Saint-Étienne, I still thrill every time I talk about the 2013 Coupe de la Ligue title. Remember… ASSE-RENNES final, we play the eighteenth minute. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, receives the ball on the left, crosses with the outside of his foot, and finds Brandao who puts the ball in the back of the net with the left. 1-0 for the Greens, the score remains that way. Enough for me to remember it like it was yesterday.
