Story of Mile Svilar’s slow rise to the glory promised when he was a teenager in Anderlecht: “He is the only one to save in this Roma”

Incorporated into core A in the summer of 2016, on the eve of his 17th birthday, he is biding his time. But not patiently. In front of him: Davy Roef and Franck Boeckx. He even sees his club recruiting Martinez in January. A massive blow for the one who had received many signals in the direction of a more important status, which had also pushed other goalkeepers to change direction.

“Mile had in mind the idea that he should already be Anderlecht’s number 1 at 17”remembers Max de Jong, then goalkeeping coach. “It was mainly his agents and his father who pushed him to think that way. With a little patience, he could have played 250 games for Anderlecht or been sold to a big club after a hundred, for a small fortune. He could also have become number one for the Devils.” Which he will never be because a few years ago he requested a change of sporting nationality to play for Serbia, with whom he had a selection, without any real future.

Why Mile Svilar will never be able to play for the Red Devils

But the Dutchman, with the Mauves from 2012 to 2020, also highlights the qualities of the young man: “Mile was already a workaholic at 17. On free days, he would call me to train and do it on his own too. It was a rocket diving on every ball. He already had a lot of qualities, except perhaps for his kicking game.”

Still Weiler’s number 3 in 2017, he forced his departure for Benfica, to the great dismay of the purple leaders, in exchange for a check for 3 million euros. Without ever having played in an A team.

Benfica: the deadlock

Again, repeat. In Lisbon, he logically arrives as a replacement, but will always remain number 2, lasting five seasons in the shadow of Varela then an untouchable Vlachodimos. He will only play 23 small matches, mainly national or European Cups.

AS Roma: rebound and brilliance

Arriving for free at Roma in the summer of 2022, he saw Mourinho prefer the experienced Rui Patricio, not even starting him in the Cup, only once in the Europa League and three times in Serie A. The arrival of Daniele De Rossi on the bench changes the situation. Quickly, in February 2024, the former Nazionale player changed goalkeepers in the championship. Svilar thanked him a few days later on penalties in the Europa League. The train has started.

Svilar will not forget what he owes to his ex-T1 when he is fired in September: “Thank you for changing my life, I will always be grateful to you”he proclaims on his Instagram. Two months later, the Belgian-Serbian goalkeeper is one of the rare satisfactions.

“Mile is very stronganswers Marco Campanella, who follows Roma for the media “Voce Giallorossa” dedicated to the club. Last season, he established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Serie A. He is highly regarded, as he is the best in the team in terms of performance. In this dark time, Svilar is the only one to save.”

Discussions to extend a contract planned until 2027 are already in the air: “Roma know they have a phenomenon on their hands and want to keep it. She is working to offer him a contract until 2029.” “It’s good that he got his place in the Roma goal.”concludes Max de Jong. “He’s still got ten years left, actually.” To make up for lost time.