Since Aleksandar Mitrovic moved to the Premier League back in 2015, he has spent time in the top division and in the Championship.
After some lackluster seasons in the Premier League and hugely impressive ones in the Championship, he has been considered a player who can’t crack it at the top, similar to former strike partner at Newcastle, Dwight Gayle.
His best performance in the Premier League was where he scored 11 goals in 37 appearances, with his last campaign in the top flight being extremely difficult with 3 goals in 27 appearances.
However, things seem to have changed, having scored 49 in his last 49 league games, whilst also having 6 from 6 so far in the Premier League this season.
So the question is how has he adapted and what has changed for the Serbian?
At this moment, Fulham set up with a central striker being Mitrovic. He gets his support from the wingers as well as the number 10, who link up well with Mitrovic in attacking scenarios.
Add this to the use of the attacking fullbacks at Fulham, they help Mitrovic find space in the area where he can attack the ball and it plays to his strengths. Both on the floor and in the air.
In Fulham’s previous season in the Premier League, Mitrovic lacked the goals which had consequences on his team’s performances. However, the tactics used during that season were much more complex.
Scott Parker would alternate between multiple systems, which would differ between a back three or a back four. Without a recognised system, the Serbians style had an overall negative impact.
To put that into context, in the whole 2020/21 campaign, Mitrovic had 17 shots on target, but just 6 games into the current season, he has already had 13 shots on goal.
With this new system which supports him under Marco Silva, and a higher quality players through the team has led to a significant increase in what the 27-year-old is able to do in the box.
Talking about the Portuguese manager, his continued attacking style this season has been a brave approach, but he has certainly reaped the rewards through Mitrovic.
Silva has been able to develop his game from somewhat of a ‘classic’ number nine, to a more well-rounded forward. His smart movement, attacking runs and build play have all improved significantly under the current Fulham boss.
A key example of this was in their first game of the season against Liverpool. He attacked the space after a long ball was played into the Liverpool defensive third. His quick movement both on and off the ball resulting in a penalty for his team.
Fulham have bounced between the top two divisions in recent years, but the impressive start to the campaign with Mitrovic firing on all cylinders could give the Cottagers some hope in competing in the Premier League yet again.
Final Whistle 