Nikola Milenković, a 26-yr-antique Serbian center-returned, has swiftly emerged as a cornerstone of Nottingham Forest’s protection given his 2024 switch from Fiorentina.
Known for his aerial dominance, tactical intelligence, and management, Milenković’s effect has been pivotal in Forest’s extraordinary Premier League campaign. With a wealthy profession spanning Serbia’s Partizan, Italy’s Fiorentina, and now England’s pinnacle flight, he exemplifies the cutting-edge defender’s evolution.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on October 12, 1997, in Belgrade, Serbia, Nikola Milenković started out his football adventure in the adolescents ranks of OFK Žarkovo. His ability quickly struck the eye of scouts, mainly to his pass to FK Teleoptik, a feeder membership for FK Partizan. At 15, he joined Partizan’s adolescents academy, wherein he honed his talents and advanced right into a promising defender.
Milenković made his senior debut for Partizan in 2015. During his tenure, he contributed to the group’s fulfillment, triumphing the Serbian Cup in his debut season and reaching a league and cup double the subsequent year. His performances attracted global attention, putting the degree for his pass to European football.
Rise at Fiorentina
In 2017, Milenković transferred to Italian Serie A club Fiorentina. Over seven seasons, he has become a mainstay of their defence, collecting 264 appearances and scoring 17 goals. His management traits earned him the captain’s armband, and he performed an essential position in Fiorentina’s adventure to the UEFA Europa Conference League very last in 2023, wherein they narrowly lost to Olympiacos.
His aerial prowess became mainly notable; in the 2023/24 Serie A season, he finished with a league-great aerial fulfillment price of seventy nine.four% amongst gamers contesting 25 or extra duels. Such facts underscore his dominance in shielding conditions and set-portions.
Transfer to Nottingham Forest
On July 18, 2024, Nottingham Forest secured Milenković’s offers for a reported £12 million, signing him on a 5-yr deal. The acquisition became a part of Forest’s strategic plan to strengthen their protection following the departure of Moussa Niakhaté to Lyon. Forest’s Chief Football Officer, Ross Wilson, expressed lengthy-status admiration for Milenković, highlighting his enjoyment and traits as crucial additions to the squad.
Milenković made his Premier League debut on August 24, 2024, in a 1–zero victory towards Southampton. His instant effect became evident, as he introduced balance and resilience to Forest’s backline. His first purpose for the membership got here in an exciting 3–2 win over Manchester United on December 7, 2024, showcasing his offensive talents at some stage in set-portions.
Playing Style and Strengths
Aerial Dominance
Standing at 1.95 meters, Milenković’s top and timing make him a powerful presence in aerial duels. His cap potential to win headers is essential each defensively and offensively, mainly at some stage in set-portions.
Tactical Intelligence
Milenković well-known shows an awesome analysis of the game, permitting him to expect opponents’ movements and role himself effectively. His expertise of shielding systems and opponent techniques complements his group’s universal shielding organization.
Ball Distribution
Comfortable with the ball at his feet, Milenković regularly initiates assaults from the returning. His variety of passing, which include correct lengthy balls, facilitates transition play and makes the most areas in the back of opposing defenses.
Leadership
Having captained Fiorentina, Milenković brings management and composure to the pitch. His conversation and organizational talents are crucial in coordinating the shielding line and keeping group discipline.
2024/25 Season Performance
In the 2024/25 season, Milenković has been instrumental in Nottingham Forest’s extraordinary shielding record. As of May 2025, he has made 31 appearances throughout all competitions, scoring four goals and supplying 2 assists. His performances have earned him the membership’s Player of the Month award for September 2024.
Forest’s protection, with Milenković at its core, has conceded the simplest six goals in the first seven league matches, 2nd simplest to Liverpool. His partnership with fellow defender Murillo has been mainly effective, drawing reward from fanatics and pundits alike.
International Career with Serbia
Milenković has been a normal function in the Serbian country wide group since his debut in 2016. He has earned fifty seven caps and took part in essential tournaments, which include the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups and UEFA Euro 2024. At Euro 2024, he performed each minute of Serbia’s organization degree matches, demonstrating his significance to the country wide squad.
Recent Trends and Developments
Recognition and Praise
Milenković’s performances have now no longer gone unnoticed. Nottingham Forest legend Garry Birtles hailed him as the “signing of the season,” emphasizing his management and shielding solidity. Comparisons were drawn among Milenković and previous Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidić, highlighting his ability to emerge as one of the Premier League’s pinnacle defenders.
Fiorentina’s Regret
Fiorentina’s selection to promote Milenković has been met with criticism, as his replacement, Marin Pongračić, has struggled to fill the void. The Italian membership reportedly regrets the switch, specifically given Milenković’s endured excellence in the Premier League.
Real-Life Example: Milenković’s Impact at Forest
Milenković’s influence at Nottingham Forest is obvious in the group’s shielding facts and universal overall performance. His management has galvanized the backline, resulting in a good sized discount in desires conceded. Moreover, his cap potential to make a contribution offensively at some stage in set-portions has brought a brand new measurement to Forest’s attacking options.
His seamless variation to the Premier League‘s depth underscores his versatility and readiness to compete at the best level. Milenković’s presence has now no longer simplest stepped forward Forest’s protection however additionally extended the group’s objectives in home competitions.
What is Nikola Milenkovic’s score?
As of May 2025, Nikola Milenković has an universal score of seventy nine in EA Sports FC 25, reflecting his overall performance as a significant defender for Nottingham Forest.
In addition to his base score, Milenković has earned unique playing cards in the game:
Team of the Week (TOTW): Rated 85, this card highlights his standout performances at some stage in precise weeks.
Team of the Season (TOTS): Rated 92, this card showcases his awesome contributions at some point of the season.
Milenković Net worth
As of May 2025, Nikola Milenković, the Serbian center-returned presently gambling for Nottingham Forest, has an expected net worth ranging between £12.5 million and £21.2 million. This estimation is primarily based totally on numerous assets that don’t forget his expert income and assets.
Final Thoughts
Nikola Milenković’s adventure from the young people’s academies of Belgrade to the Premier League epitomizes dedication, adaptability, and excellence. His effect at Nottingham Forest has been transformative, solidifying the protection and provoking self belief in the course of the squad.
FAQs
How many goals has Milenković scored for Nottingham Forest?
As of May 2025, he has scored four goals for Nottingham Forest in the 2024/25 season.
Has Milenković received any character awards at Nottingham Forest?
Yes, he was named Nottingham Forest‘s Player of the Month for September 2024.
What is Milenković’s worldwide experience?
He has earned fifty seven caps for the Serbian countrywide team, taking part in the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups and UEFA Euro 2024.
To read more, click here
