Blog: Crazy for Krasic
Rob Paton on why Juventus and Inter are so keen on signing Milos Krasic – the new Pavel Nedved
It is a very easy comparison to make and one that will likely follow Milos Krasic for at least the next few years of his career, particularly if he arrives in Italy this summer as expected.
Wing-based attacking play at pace from a two-footed exciting and creative individual, combined with a rasping strike and vision and consistent delivery to boot – Krasic’s long blond locks complete the look and Juventus, currently in negotiations to sign him, have found their replacement for Pavel Nedved in almost every way possible.
Juve’s well-documented and unmitigated collapse last season was borne of complete failure across the board. In the case of going forward, the Bianconeri’s first season without Nedved in their ranks was turgid.
Various formations were tested to get the best out of Diego, ultimately proving unsuccessful and detrimental to the side’s attacking play. The link between midfield and attack was lost when Nedved retired and never reconnected with the Brazilian playmaker.
The interest in Krasic from Juve, and now reportedly Inter, is based on his rise to prominence at Russian side CSKA. The 25-year-old Serbian has won a host of honours in his spell with the Moscow club and is now looking to move on, with his heart set on Italy, and Juve leading the interested pack.
Predominantly right-footed, Krasic’s competency with his left foot, coupled with his penchant for step-overs, tricks and weaving runs makes him a real handful for full-backs, and an ideal target for Luigi Del Neri’s rebuilding side.
He has added goals to his game in recent seasons and his versatility and potency from wide positions offers Juve potentially a vitality going forward not seen since Nedved hung up his boots in 2009.
Whilst it remains an unhealthy, unrealistic transfer policy to sign players based on who they remind you of, in Krasic’s case, the similarity in appearance should be overlooked for the one in ability when compared with a younger Nedved who first arrived in Italy.
Krasic, an expressive talent, will have some way to go to emulating Nedved’s success in his 13 years in the peninsula and the Serbian still has areas of his game to work on to become more of an all-rounder for whichever team he joins.
And whilst the likeness in appearance is striking, the potential at Krasic’s feet is where the resemblance to Nedved really lies, and it will be with his feet that he can begin to make a name for himself in Italy.
FI