Aleksandar Mitrovic had a good game for Serbia today in their 1-0 win over Costa Rica and was always in the thick of things.
The winner was a beauty direct from a free kick from former Manchester City full-back Aleksandar Kolarov who is now at Roma.
But he did miss two glorious chances when he was straight through one on one with Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas but failed to find the back of the net.
One of the chances was after 86 minutes and after that he was withdrawn but Mitro did show some good hold-up play – and he is a classic old-fashioned center-forward.
If he had notched a couple of goals we would be talking about an excellent performance from the Newcastle striker.
But he did not add to his value with today’s display – goals are needed for that to happen.
Aleksandar Mitrovic – in action against Costa Rica today – a handful
Here’s how some of our fans reacted to his display today and opinion – as usual – is divided.
this is so true. rafa’s no1 Target Jorgensen not half the player. someone like kramaric who is an upgrade is valued at 50m. we would have to spend 30m to get a player equivalent to mitro! #nufc
— Mobin Hussain (@Mobs_) June 17, 2018
To all Mitro fans including myself, he had to score atleast one today #SER #WorldCup misses far too many sitters for my liking #NUFC
— Hardik Dave (@thefundamental7) June 17, 2018
are Fan base ? Mitro is far better than Joselu and Gayle Combined still gets slated #Nufc
— JaackRT (@JaackRT) June 17, 2018
Mitro! ?
He’s held the ball up so well, linked the play and bullied the Costa Rican defence all afternoon, but two BIG one on ones wasted. Could & should have had two today. Frustrating – could’ve really raised his price tag!
— Black&WhiteBarmy (@BlackWhiteBarmy) June 17, 2018
The Mitro I’ve watched today is very much the Mitro I’ve watched in a Newcastle shirt….
Hard graft, bullying defenders, getting into threatening areas with the ball but ultimately not being able to find the net. #WorldCup ?? #NUFC ??
— Tommy Longworth ??? (@Tommy_Longworth) June 17, 2018
If Mitro could finish he could be such a good player, the rest of his game is great. You can see why #nufc let him go out on loan last season #CRCSRB
— Joe (@Calvey94) June 17, 2018
Mitro looked canny for his team today and is working hard. However he will ultimately be judged on goalscoring and had missed 2 massive chances. Is he good enough? The debate will linger on after today #nufc
— Mark Gillon (@mgillon81) June 17, 2018
Don’t care what people say Mitro will never score goals in the prem. He’s a handful to deal with but that’s it #NUFC
— James Knowlson (@jimknowlson) June 17, 2018
That’s Mitro all over. He’d rather have a penalty or free kick than stick the ball in the back of the net. #NUFC #CRCSRB
— D. James Newton (@jamesnewton) June 17, 2018
Spanish commentators absolutely LOVING Mitro’s performance #nufc @NUFC360 #worldcup
— Ben Green (@sonofsouthgreen) June 17, 2018
I know he divides #NUFC supporter opinions but I will be sad when we sell Mitro. I love his passion
— Rob (@robropie) June 17, 2018
Today has shown to me why Rafa was wrong to freeze out Mitro last season. Yeah he may not be prolific, but his strength and ability to win free kicks and hold the ball until support arrives is far far greater than what Joselu provides #nufc
— Matt Palfreeman (@iammattpalf) June 17, 2018
If he wasn't our player we'd be screaming to sign Mitro. #NUFC
— Daniel (@danjpeg) June 17, 2018
91 comments so far
ronaldo aarons
Jun 17, 2018 at 3:32 PM
Comment #1Why is it with mitro that people either go overboard on him, when he scores he’s great, when he misses he’s the worst striker and Rafa right to get rid. Every striker misses chances, big deal. Still offered Serbia a lot. Second half thought he worked really hard, won the ball, battled and won a few free kicks, namely the winning free kick. Actually think second half performance is typical of what Rafa wants from his strikers. Should have scored yes but can’t base it off one game. He might get one chance next game and score as has happened before.
He is what he is, a young striker who is improving and has more to go before becoming a top striker. Balanced view is needed.
AncientC
Jun 17, 2018 at 3:35 PM
Comment #2@jimknowlson
“Don’t care what people say Mitro will never score goals in the prem. He’s a handful to deal with but that’s it” #NUFC
Eh? Apart from the time he scored 9 in an absolutely dire McClaren side. I would expect him to bag near double that in a more attacking side higher up the table.
I wasn’t able to catch the Serbia game but from the ratings I have read it seems like Mitrovic played well.
This Germany vs Mexico should be an interesting game. Almost feel sorry for what is about to happen to Mexico lol.
AncientC
Jun 17, 2018 at 3:46 PM
Comment #3Around a 27% conversion rate would be the best in the Premier League on average. Missing two chances—if reported correctly—isn’t the end of the world. I wonder what Mitrovic’s conversion rate would be over his last 20 games for Serbia.
Nufc-83
Jun 17, 2018 at 3:47 PM
Comment #4Mitro will never score 18 goals in the prem or at least consistently (may have a freak season like all players can). He is probably the best striker we have which shows how weak we are in that department and clearly need min 2 strikers in with a couple of no10s.
kc2012
Jun 17, 2018 at 4:25 PM
Comment #5The way I look at the Mitro situation is, we’re looking to sell him for a poxy £20m but apparently wanted Jorgensen for around that price in Jan? Based on both of their performances in their opening games, Mitro is twice the player Jorgenson is and a lot of fans were happy to bring him in and get rid of Mitro. Never been Mitros biggest fan but full credit to the lad, he’s looking a totally different player (more mature and looks to have lost abit of extra weight). Imo for £20m we will not get a better striker than Mitro. He was a real handful Today, pretty sure that’s what Rafa’s been desperate for upfront. He’s a player we should be looking to bring someone in to play alongside, not replace imo.
chicousa
Jun 17, 2018 at 4:37 PM
Comment #6Hirving Lozano scores for Mexico. I’ve mentioned him in the past as a left wing transfer option. Very fast and skilled player.
sing in the corner
Jun 17, 2018 at 4:37 PM
Comment #7Mexico full value for their lead! Good on the ball, dangerous for the lethargic Hun.
lochinvar
Jun 17, 2018 at 4:39 PM
Comment #8Great goal for Mexico.
I’ve just spotted someone I know in the crowd, think I’ll give them a wave
Ron Knee
Jun 17, 2018 at 4:39 PM
Comment #9Merkel’s day going from bad to worse.
kc2012
Jun 17, 2018 at 5:22 PM
Comment #10Chicousa
Lozano would be a cracking signing for anyone in Prem tbh, brilliant player. Unfortunately probably way out of our reach though now. I’m sure he turned down moves to both Manchester clubs to join psv. The exact type of player we need though
lochinvar
Jun 17, 2018 at 5:38 PM
Comment #11Germany just brought a sub on called Gomez ?
chicousa
Jun 17, 2018 at 5:40 PM
Comment #12kc2012
Yeah, after scoring 17 goals with 8 assists for PSV, I think the secret is out. I watched him in the WC matches last summer and fall: wish we had made an offer for him before he moved to PSV. Seems that in order to get a great player at an “Ashley type price” we have a very narrow window to spot and sign these types of players!
chicousa
Jun 17, 2018 at 5:41 PM
Comment #13WC qualifying matches I meant of course…
chicousa
Jun 17, 2018 at 5:51 PM
Comment #14Viva’ Mexico! America’s team! 😀
willowdalerez
Jun 17, 2018 at 5:56 PM
Comment #15Tuff – Just read the sad news my condolences. RIP Expat. Had a few back n forths with him and he was always friendly.
kc2012
Jun 17, 2018 at 5:56 PM
Comment #16Chicousa
Yes I agree mate. I think he’ll have a lot of clubs after him this summer, especially after his performance just now. Real talent
willowdalerez
Jun 17, 2018 at 5:57 PM
Comment #17“Almost feel sorry for what is about to happen to Mexico lol.”
What was that you were saying Ancient? LOL
lochinvar
Jun 17, 2018 at 5:58 PM
Comment #18https://youtu.be/DDZBzvTDhGU
Brilliant Mexico
willowdalerez
Jun 17, 2018 at 6:00 PM
Comment #19On Mitrovic, I think he may be another in the Barton / Ben Arfa model… May never realize his potential but if he does watch out! In anycase unless he’s hiding it well Rafa doesn’t rate him so unless Rafa’s leaving this summer (Noooooooo) Mitrovic is being sold or going out on loan no matter what we may think of him personally.
c-dog
Jun 17, 2018 at 6:22 PM
Comment #20Mitrovic was sensational today. I think we’ve all always known he’s one of the top three players in our squad. But if Rafa dislikes the boy what can we do.
Nostradamus the Geordie
Jun 17, 2018 at 6:25 PM
Comment #21OMG, Mitro chatter again. Here’s the thing with Mitro, yes he can score goals but he sucks at taking on defenders.
Yes he can hold up the ball well and defenders hate playing against him, pretty good in the air. But for a striker to be any good in the prem they need to be able to run past defenders, that’s the issue we have with Mitro and Josey and to be honest Gayle. Rafa should honestly start looking outside of Europe for that diamond in the rough. Maybe in South America, a strikers with pace and dribbling ability that gives him that extra yard on defenders. Lol we could always go and get Hatem on a free. What for it, 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1. BOOM!!!!!
hibbit
Jun 17, 2018 at 6:38 PM
Comment #22c-dog
Jun 17, 2018 at 6:22 PM
Comment #20
Mitrovic was sensational today.
you obviously never watched the game today yes he had a canny game but sensational,
think you overplayed your hand with that comment
ilovetoon8788
Jun 17, 2018 at 6:50 PM
Comment #23Why are we losing all our goalkeeping coaches to arsenal?
c-dog
Jun 17, 2018 at 6:51 PM
Comment #24No need for bitterness hibbit. Rafa exhibits enough bitterness toward the boy. He’ll leave. It’ll be over and some team will have a potential star. He absolutely bullied Costa Rica defense. Hope we get someone good in.
Jail for Ashley
Jun 17, 2018 at 7:03 PM
Comment #25And Brazil are rotating captains this tournament, Jesper fugslang, come on down!!!!!
hibbit
Jun 17, 2018 at 7:03 PM
Comment #26c-dog
definitely no bitterness here just a simple comment Mitro had a decent game no doubt about it but sensational, i don’t thinks so
Ronaldo was sensational Mitro was nowhere near that level
Jail for Ashley
Jun 17, 2018 at 7:04 PM
Comment #27c-dog,
Would you like to see Rafa go so Mitro can pick the team?
c-dog
Jun 17, 2018 at 7:08 PM
Comment #28Give the boy some credit hibbitter. On the biggest stage in world football the boy performed. And credit to him.
Whatever you say Jail, good chap.
martoon
Jun 17, 2018 at 7:17 PM
Comment #29Jail @25 – I find that weird – you need a captain and leader who is constant. Lascelles at nufc a prime example.
OneAlanShearer
Jun 17, 2018 at 7:18 PM
Comment #30The mex goalscorer was linked to Everton the start of June.
martoon
Jun 17, 2018 at 7:19 PM
Comment #31Thinking about it – it is probably a compromise so not to upset any of the star players – very weak management!
Ron Knee
Jun 17, 2018 at 7:21 PM
Comment #32What a goal!
ShirebrookToon
Jun 17, 2018 at 7:23 PM
Comment #33Cracking goal by coutinho
OneAlanShearer
Jun 17, 2018 at 7:25 PM
Comment #34The thing about mitro is, is that he does bully defences and has improved his temperament so I agree with c-dog on that. I am not sure how effective he is at premier league level when you don’t play yo his strengths. I agree a team that does may well have a bargain. Bit it’s horses for courses, if rafa doesn’t want him he’s better of being replaced, the problem is by whom and will they also be good enough.
Under Ashley we are shopping in the bargain basement and always will be.
sing in the corner
Jun 17, 2018 at 7:50 PM
Comment #35JfA @25 & 27
Ha ha, you on form the neet!
How bad were Germany before by the way??
Is it very warm in Russia at the moment? Most teams have looked like they’re running through treacle, apart from Mexico’s pressing show..
It will be interesting to see our pacey young uns tomorrow..
Jail for Ashley
Jun 17, 2018 at 8:00 PM
Comment #36sitc,
Most of us know Mitro is the best striker we’ve got but it isn’t working between him and Rafa/Rafa’s system. I find it laughable that some people want to see Rafa rip up thirty odd years of his managerial experience and philosophy that has brought him so much success to play to one guy’s strengths. Especially when said guy can come on after six minutes and elbow a guy in the head. The three signings obviously helped massively in January but it could also be very telling that we had our best form after Mitro left. Nobody knows what influence good or bad the lad has in the dressing room and the circumstances that has obviously seen him and Rafa fall out.
Ron Knee
Jun 17, 2018 at 8:05 PM
Comment #37Brazil have won 34 of their last 35 games in which they led at half-time in the World Cup, according to the BBC.
Ron Knee
Jun 17, 2018 at 8:09 PM
Comment #381-1. Well, well.
jazzyp
Jun 17, 2018 at 8:28 PM
Comment #39Leicester and Southampton agree a fee of 22 million for young Maddison from Norwich.
Puts into perspective what we are gonna have to pay for Kennedy
Nufc-83
Jun 17, 2018 at 8:49 PM
Comment #40C-Dog Mitro missed two 1v1 chances that should have seen his side win comfortably and you say he played sensational….go back to bed!