World Cup 2018 Underdog Star #9 - Aleksandar Mitrovic

Aleksandar Mitrovic - Picture: matdubb.tumblr.com

Serbian born, but a Newcastle United fan since the age of 8, Aleksandar Mitrovic has got everything to prove at this World Cup. Having supported the Toon since childhood, it comes as no surprise that Mitrovic always wanted to play for his boyhood club. So much so, that he specifically asked to be transferred to the club from Anderlecht back in 2015. 

A strong nr.9, with great technique, what’s not to like about Mitrovic? Apparently something, according to Benitez when he loaned him out to Fulham in the January window. To be fair to Rafa, the 23yr old had only netted once in 6 appearances during the first half of season and Newcastle had several other options up top. And maybe it was the right thing for Mitrovic as well, having scored 12 goals since arriving in Fulham, helping them achieve promotion back to the Premier League. One could easily say that he’s found his form again and Fulham fans will know of his abilities better than anyone. Lethal in the air, with a strong shot to boot. Get the ball to Mitrovic in the box and you’re guaranteed a goal! 

Although he’s a big Newcastle supporter, recent reports state that he’s happy at Fulham and could see himself staying for their upcoming Premier League campaign. However, first there are bigger planets to conquer - the 2018 World Cup that is! Mitrovic was Serbia’s top-goalscorer during the qualification stage, scoring 6 goals in 9 games and leading his nation to win their group. His pure passion for the game and scoring goals is evident. But can he prove Rafa wrong and show that he's ready to do it on the world stage? (Opening game: Serbia vs. Costa Rica - 17/06@1pm)

A way to remember, release and share my passion for football...

So where does one start when writing a blog? An introduction? A potted history of events? A description of why I'm doing this? Think I'll start there...

So why write a blog and what makes me believe that I can be a football writer? Well firstly, I too really enjoy reading football articles and blogs such as these. I find it intriguing to follow the game from the stands, rather than just hearing what a paid pundit or journalist has been forced to come up with. So I thought maybe I could chip in with a few memorable matchday stories myself. 

However, if I'm honest, my main reason for writing this blog is to release some of the built-up football infatuation that constantly revolves in my head. Like many others out there, I'm obsessed with every aspect of this beautiful sport and have immersed myself in it since a very young age. I've played a bit, coached a bit and watched a lot! 

I now mainly just watch a lot, whether it's non-league or Premier League, I'll travel around the U.K. and aim to visit as many new grounds as possible.  I'm also on a mission to see as many Bundesliga clubs in action as I can - having now visited Dortmund, Hamburg and Mainz, also seeing Bayern, Mönchengladbach, Frankfurt, Hannover and Stuttgart away from home. It's been a pleasure for the eyes, as the German teams always strive to entertain their fans with an attacking style of play. 

I hope to cement these memories, the legendary people I've met along the way, the unforgettably catchy chants sung from the stands and the multitude of unpredictable moments only football can produce. This is my way of saying thank you, but also hopefully a way of giving something back to a community that's given me so much over the years.