Arriving this summer at ASSE for an amount estimated at around three million euros from FC Čukarički, Igor Miladinovic represented great promise for the Saint-Etienne midfielder. However, three months after his arrival in Forez, the young Serbian has still not played a single minute professionally. The gamble of Saint-Etienne leaders is slow to bear fruit, raising questions about the relevance of this investment.
Technical potential, but complicated beginnings
At 21, Igor Miladinovic is coming off an encouraging season in Serbia, where he played 33 matches and scored 11 goals for FC Čukarički. His versatility and technical qualities made him an interesting target for ASSE, looking for a playmaker capable of bringing creativity to the midfield. However, his adaptation to the French championship seems more difficult than expected.
For the moment, Miladinovic is content with a few appearances with the reserve team in National 3. Where we expected him to make the difference, the findings are more mixed. Far from dominating his opponents, the young midfielder is struggling to assert himself, and his physical deficiencies have become a real obstacle to his development. His game, focused on technique and vision, currently lacks impact in games where intensity and physical duels predominate.
Aligned in the professional group three times (against Nantes, Lens and Strasbourg), Miladinovic did not have the opportunity to come into play. A situation which questions his role in the current squad, especially in a context where ASSE is struggling to find a real technical leader in the midfield.
A daring bet by the leaders of ASSE
Olivier Dall'Oglio, ASSE coach, confided upon signing: “Igor is a young player who will discover another football. We will take the time with him, support him. He is a boy who offers a lot of activity in the midfield. His technical touch should take us a step further, his creativity as well. He is capable of scoring and creating goal situations. This is what interested us in his teacher.il.”
After his arrival, the Greens coach explained that the player was not yet ready: “Igor, he is not physically ready in terms of his preparation. It was also a little hectic, quite fast for him. So there it will take a lot more time. So a technical boy, quite lively, in midfield, rather offensive. Small size, there you go, dribbler. But now we have to make him work, especially physically, so that little by little he can really integrate into the group.
I think he's a boy who will be able to help us, but it will take time. It will definitely take more time. We need to prepare him before we can push him a little more. There is a good chance that he will play with the preserve team. If we have no contraindications, he will play with the reserve team.”
Between trust and questions
Internally, we want to remain confident. We are praised for the Serbian's technical qualities and we believe in his ability to reach a new level. However, others do not hide that his acclimatization to a more demanding championship, both physically and tactically, will take time. If he shows good things in training, he will have to toughen up physically. A necessary step to hope to perform in Ligue 1. Will he manage to adapt? Far from being obvious to state this as it stands.
A discreet but determined personality
Despite this difficult context, Igor Miladinovic keeps a cool head. According to those around him, the young Serbian is happy with his arrival in Saint-Étienne. Renowned for his discretion, he strives to integrate without making waves. This is a young player who seems to be aware of the progress to be made. The language barrier, the discovery of a new environment, the understanding of a new football, it will probably take time for Igor Miladinovic to regain his confidence.
Ready or patience? The future at ASSE in question
For now, the scenario of a loan in January remains possible. A move to a club where he could accumulate playing time would perhaps be beneficial to allow him to adapt to French football and gain confidence.
However, this hypothesis does not erase doubts. Casting error? Or could Igor Miladinovic be a revelation in the future?
One thing is certain: the coming months will be decisive. In the meantime, the bet remains risky for ASSE, which hopes not to have bet on yet another hope with an aborted destiny. Will Igor Miladinovic be able to meet these expectations? Only time will tell.
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