Why Do People Hate Sergej Milinković-Savić?
Sergej Milinković-Savić is a Serbian professional football player who currently plays as a midfielder for Lazio in Serie A. Despite his undeniable talent and success on the pitch, there seems to be a curious phenomenon of hate directed towards him, particularly from certain fan bases. In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons behind this hate and try to understand why such a gifted player has become a target of criticism and negativity.
Early Life and Rise to Prominence
Milinković-Savić was born on February 27, 1995, in Lleida, Spain, to Serbian parents. His father, Nikola Milinković, was a professional footballer who played for several Spanish clubs, including Lleida. Sergej grew up in Spain until the age of 11, when his family moved to Belgium.
It was in Belgium that Milinković-Savić’s football journey truly began. He joined the youth academy of Standard Liège and quickly caught the attention of scouts with his impressive physical attributes and technical abilities. In 2014, he made his professional debut for Standard Liège and quickly established himself as a key player in the team.
The Move to Lazio and Continued Success
In 2015, Lazio signed Milinković-Savić for a reported fee of around €16 million, a significant investment for a relatively unknown player at the time. However, the Serbian midfielder quickly justified the transfer fee with his performances on the pitch.
Since joining Lazio, Milinković-Savić has been a driving force in the team’s midfield, contributing with goals, assists, and his overall commanding presence on the field. His combination of physicality, technical ability, and passing range has made him a sought-after commodity in the transfer market, with several top clubs reportedly interested in securing his services.
Reasons Behind the Hate
Despite his consistent performances and clear talent, Milinković-Savić has been the subject of criticism and hate from certain fan bases. Here are some potential reasons behind this phenomenon:
Perceived Arrogance and Lack of Humility
Some fans and pundits have accused Milinković-Savić of being arrogant and lacking humility, particularly in his body language and demeanor on the pitch. His confident and assertive style of play has been interpreted by some as arrogance, which can rub fans the wrong way.
Transfer Speculation and Unfulfilled Expectations
Milinković-Savić has been consistently linked with moves to some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with rumored transfer fees reaching astronomical levels. While these rumors are a testament to his talent, they have also bred a sense of unfulfilled expectations among fans who believe he should have already made a high-profile move.
Perceived Underperformance in Big Games
Despite his consistent performances in domestic competitions, some critics argue that Milinković-Savić has failed to deliver in high-profile matches, such as Champions League games or international tournaments with Serbia. This perceived underperformance on the biggest stages has fueled criticism from those who expected more from a player of his caliber.
Rivalry and Tribalism
In the world of football, rivalry and tribalism can play a significant role in shaping fan sentiment towards certain players. Milinković-Savić’s association with Lazio, a club with a passionate but sometimes controversial fan base, may have contributed to the hate he receives from rival fans.
Unfair Comparisons and Unrealistic Expectations
As with many talented players, Milinković-Savić has been the subject of unfair comparisons and unrealistic expectations. Some fans and pundits have compared him to legendary midfielders, setting the bar unreasonably high and leading to disappointment when he inevitably falls short of these lofty expectations.
Debunking the Hate: A Closer Look at Milinković-Savić’s Performance
While the reasons behind the hate towards Milinković-Savić may be subjective, a closer look at his performances and statistics reveals a player who has consistently delivered at the highest level.
Statistical Prowess
| Season | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 34 | 8 | 9 |
| 2021/22 | 47 | 11 | 12 |
| 2020/21 | 38 | 8 | 10 |
| 2019/20 | 36 | 7 | 7 |
| 2018/19 | 48 | 7 | 3 |
As the table shows, Milinković-Savić has consistently contributed with goals and assists for Lazio, showcasing his attacking prowess and all-round abilities as a modern-day midfielder.
Praise from Managers and Teammates
Despite the hate from certain fan bases, Milinković-Savić has been widely praised by his managers and teammates for his professionalism, work ethic, and commitment to the team’s cause.
Simone Inzaghi, who managed Milinković-Savić at Lazio, had this to say about the Serbian:
“Sergej is a complete midfielder. He has the physical attributes, the technical ability, and the mentality to be a top player. He’s always ready to give his all for the team, and his dedication is an inspiration to his teammates.”
Teammates have also spoken highly of Milinković-Savić, with Ciro Immobile, Lazio’s star striker, describing him as “a joy to play with” and praising his ability to create chances and contribute to the team’s offensive output.
International Recognition
Milinković-Savić’s talent and performances have not gone unnoticed on the international stage. He has been a regular for the Serbian national team, representing his country at major tournaments such as the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2020 European Championship.
In 2018, he was named the Serbian Footballer of the Year, a testament to his impact and importance for both club and country.
The Importance of Objective Analysis
While fan sentiment and opinions are subjective, it’s crucial to analyze a player’s performances objectively and avoid falling into the trap of hate and negativity. Milinković-Savić’s statistics, accolades, and praise from those who work closely with him paint a different picture than the one portrayed by his detractors.
Conclusion
The phenomenon of hate directed towards Sergej Milinković-Savić is a curious and complex one, fueled by a variety of factors, both objective and subjective. However, a closer look at his performances, statistics, and the praise he has received from those who work closely with him paints a different picture than the one portrayed by his detractors.
As fans and observers of the beautiful game, it’s essential to approach player analysis with objectivity and fairness. Hate and negativity can cloud our judgment and prevent us from appreciating the talent and dedication of players like Milinković-Savić, who have worked tirelessly to reach the highest levels of their profession.
Instead of succumbing to hate, we should celebrate the exceptional abilities of players like Milinković-Savić and appreciate the joy and excitement they bring to the game. After all, football is meant to be a unifying force, bringing people together in their love for the sport, regardless of their backgrounds or allegiances.
In the end, Milinković-Savić’s legacy will be defined not by the hate he faced, but by his performances on the pitch and the lasting impact he leaves on the game. As fans and lovers of football, it’s our responsibility to recognize and appreciate true talent when we see it, free from the shackles of negativity and bias.
FAQs
Why is Sergej Milinković-Savić hated by some fans?
There are several potential reasons, including perceived arrogance, unfulfilled transfer expectations, perceived underperformance in big games, rivalry and tribalism, and unfair comparisons to legendary players.
Does Milinković-Savić’s performance justify the hate?
No, his consistent performances, goal and assist contributions, praise from managers and teammates, and international recognition suggest that the hate is unwarranted and not based on objective analysis.
What are some of Milinković-Savić’s strengths as a player?
His strengths include his physical attributes, technical ability, passing range, work ethic, and ability to contribute with goals and assists from midfield.
Has Milinković-Savić been recognized for his performances?
Yes, he has been named the Serbian Footballer of the Year and has been a regular for the Serbian national team, representing his country at major tournaments.
Is it important to analyze a player’s performance objectively?
Yes, it’s crucial to analyze a player’s performance objectively and avoid falling into the trap of hate and negativity based on subjective opinions or unfair comparisons.
