Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitrovic would be an even better forward if he lost some weight, according to Garth Crooks.
Mitrovic is known for his physical ability and is currently Fulham’s top scorer in the Premier League with seven goals.
How good can Mitrovic be? Five key things to know…
- Mitrovic joined Fulham permanently in the summer having spent the second half of last season on loan from Newcastle United, where he ultimately disappointed.
- The 24-year-old has been vital for the Cottagers this season and is finally starting to see the fruits of his labour.
- As a result, Mitrovic has been linked with a big move away already, with Liverpool touted as a potential destination.
- But Crooks believes Mitrovic could improve even more if he lost a bit of weight.
- Only Sergio Aguero and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (both eight) have scored more goals in the Premier League this season than Mitrovic (seven).
The Serbia international scored twice at the weekend to help Fulham to just their second Premier League win of the season, though it was not enough to see them move from the bottom of the table.
And Crooks believes the striker could push Fulham to another level, but only if he were to lose a stone of weight.
Writing in his Team of the Week column for BBC Sport, Crooks said: “This is a player who knows what he’s doing in front of goal. His second was a most impressive finish and a reminder of how good the Serb is.
“There is no doubt that Mitrovic is a player but if he were to lose a stone in weight and get really fit, what an asset Fulham would have then.”
Whether or not Mitrovic should shed the pounds aside, Harry Kane is one prime example of the on-field rewards yielded by an improved diet. The Spurs striker credited his England captaincy and individual form in 2017, in which he set a new Premier League record for goals scored within one calendar year (39), to a new nutrition regime.
Mitrovic’s seven goals mean that the striker is responsible for 50% of Fulham’s Premier League tally this season, with Andre Schurrle, Jean Michel Seri and Ryan Sessegnon the only other players to find the net for the Cottagers.
The Serbian, who has also scored more headers this season than any player in the division, finally looks at home in west London having failed to truly make an impact at Newcastle.
Is “nasty” Mitrovic already among Europe’s best strikers?
Crooks’ backhanded compliment aside, Mitrovic has already been the subject of high praise this season from both inside his club and out.
New Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri, who took the reins during the international break, says he believes that Mitrovic is one of the best strikers in the world.
Speaking after Fulham’s win, Ranieri said: “For me, Mitrovic is one of the best strikers in Europe. When I say Europe, let’s say the world.
“He’s only 24 years old, he’s a fantastic player. It’s important to give the ball to him because he can play as a platform but also as a goalscorer.
“When the ball arrives in the box he’s very, very close to the goal. It’s important to give him a lot of chances to score.”
Earlier in the season, the Serbian was likened to former Chelsea striker Diego Costa by Martin Keown and Phil Neville, for the “nasty” qualities he makes use of up against opposing defenders.
“He’s not Diego Costa but he’s got Diego Costa type qualities, in terms of he’s nasty, he’s horrible to play against, he bullies defenders,” Neville said.
“His leap, there was one in the second half where he leapt above [Christian] Kabasele just at a corner and he hit the bar, it was fantastic.
“He is someone who can give them the other option.”
So far in the Premier League this season, Mitrovic has won 64 aerial duels, the third-most of any striker in the division, while also drawing 21 fouls.
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