Mitrovic: This is why I find it harder to score for Newcastle than Serbia
By Danny Wright
Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic believes that he finds the increased pressure of international football more beneficial to his game.
The 22-year-old has struggled to find the net during two seasons at St. James’ Park, but all the time he has put in consistently good performances for Serbia.
He scored just four goals in 25 Championship matches as the Magpies secured promotion to the Premier League this term, and thinks that the lower pressure on Tyneside could be the reason behind his poor form.
In the 2016/17 club season, Mitrovic has been able to score five times in his last four competitive appearances for the Serbian national side in their 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
Mitrovic is mindful of the difference between playing for both club and country.
“One thing is when you play for the club, and the other when you play for your country and your people,” he said, as quoted by the Newcastle Chronicle.
“The pressure is normally higher.
“I thank all the fans for a special atmosphere and I hope it (World Cup qualification) will still be with us.”
Mitrovic’s latest goal for Serbia came when his nation came from behind to draw 1-1 with Wales on Sunday to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for next year’s World Cup in Russia.
Serbia are currently top of Group C in the European qualifying section, but are level on points with Republic of Ireland.
The ex-Anderlecht striker earned his 27th senior cap and eighth international goal in the clash with Wales.
He will now have to wait until September to add to that tally when his nation takes on Moldova.
However Mitrovic might not be a Newcastle player by then as the Northern Echo has recently reported that Napoli want to sign him this summer.
In other Newcastle news, this defender has revealed what he will find hard to do after signing a new deal at St. James’ Park.
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