Nikola Milenkovic provides major cause for concern as Ange Postecoglou faces fresh dilemma
Nikola Milenkovic’s red card against England last night will give new boss Ange Postecoglou a great cause for concern at Nottingham Forest.
Milenkovic had been a stalwart for former-Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo, as the Serbian played in the Portuguese’s low block.
Espirito Santo was ousted from Nottingham Forest following a row with sporting director Edu Gaspar, leading to the club appointing Postecoglou.
Postecoglou’s appointment has been met with criticism from pundits, and many feel like the Australian’s style is too opposite to Espirito Santo’s.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s best defender could become disposable
Espirito Santo’s low block suited the defensive styles of Milenkovic and his defensive partner Murillo, who both enjoy engaging in duels.
While Murillo is adept with the ball at his feet Milenkovic isn’t an optimal ball-playing defender, and suits the compactness of a low block, compared to Postecoglou’s expansive style.
This was showcased in Serbia’s friendly against England last night, with Milenkovic playing in the high line of the Balkan side and looking uncomfortable.
When isolated one on one with Harry Kane in the wide channel late on, Milenkovic committed a rash challenge that saw the defender get sent off.
Ange Postecoglou’s style sets Nottingham Forest up for failure
Postecoglou will unfortunately have Milenkovic playing in a similarly high line, exposing him to one on one matchups regularly.
While at Tottenham Postecoglou had the atheltic ability of Micky van de Ven and Christian Romeo to lean on, but Forest have no one of that profile.
| Ange Postecoglou | Nuno Espirito Santo | |
| 138 | Goals for | 93 |
| 126 | Goals against | 88 |
| 1.8 | GF per game | 1.5 |
| 1.6 | GA per game | 1.4 |
Elliot Anderson’s player of the match performance against Andorra will give Postecoglou more positivity heading into the weekend, as the 22-year-old proved he can marshal a midfield on his own if required.
Postecoglou will hope his style is more adaptive than he’s shown at Celtic and Spurs, as his Forest side face a tricky test against Arsenal on Saturday.
After Espirito Santo guided Forest from relegation battlers to European contenders, Postecoglou will hope he doesn’t undo all the Portuguese’s hard work in one swoop.