Rangers loanee Kosta Nedeljkovic has been backed by Serbia boss Veljko Paunovic ahead of tonight’s Nations League clash with the Netherlands.
The 20-year-old right-back remains part of Paunovic’s plans for the meeting in Eindhoven, with the Serbia head coach using Nedeljkovic’s missed opportunity against Germany to highlight how fine the margins can be at international level.
Filip Kostic had a huge chance to put Serbia ahead against Germany in their previous fixture, with the match eventually ending in defeat for the Serbs, where he could have played in Nedeljkovic for a tap in.
Serbian boss on Germany chance
Speaking ahead of the Netherlands clash, Paunovic suggested the outcome could have been very different had the Rangers defender taken his opportunity.
The Serbia boss pointed to the example of Greece, who had previously defeated Germany despite seeing just 20 per cent possession.
“And when we talk about statistics, without diminishing anything, against Germany we had very few shots on goal and successful offensive actions,” he said.
“However, everyone was under the impression of the Greek national team, which defeated Germany 1-0 in the previous round.
“And look at the statistics from that Greek game, their possession of the ball and how much they were under pressure from the opponent, who was better than us in many parameters.
“Greece then had 20 percent possession, just like us. What do I want to say? If he [Filip Kostic] scores or sets up Kosta [Nedeljkovic], then we are similar to Greece?”
Attack from defence
"Our offensive performance against Germany was dramatically bad and we are aware, and against Holland 3-4 days before that it looked different. Can we move the line 'up'? We can and must do it,"
Paunovic continued.
"Can we be more dangerous from that zone or through our structure and idea of attack? We will probably be more successful if we manage to do that. And why don't we get discouraged considering that we have bad numbers?
"It will all come with time . After all, I know how football works and that the moment our team is in requires more time, but every team gets where we want, if they follow the process"
The comments underline the importance Paunovic places on Nedeljkovic’s attacking contribution, despite Serbia’s struggles in their recent fixtures.
Nedeljkovic's limited Ibrox minutes
The Rangers loanee joined the Ibrox club on loan from Aston Villa and has a reputation as an energetic right-back capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch.
However, minutes have been limited due to the form of Dujon Sterling and a knock for the former Red Star defender, who scored an own goal in his last start for the Gers away to Falkirk.
Tonight’s game against the Netherlands provides another opportunity for the defender to impress on the international stage and demonstrate why Rangers were keen to bring him to Ibrox.
Paunovic has made it clear that Serbia need to be more dangerous in possession, while Nedeljkovic will want to put in a performance that will catch the eye of Derek McInnes.
With the Serbia boss specifically referencing Nedeljkovic when discussing his side’s attacking intent, the Rangers loanee could once again have an important role to play in Eindhoven.
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