PORTO, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 17: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic of SS Lazio in action during the UEFA Europa League Knockout Round Play-Offs Leg One match between FC Porto and SS Lazio at Estadio do Dragao on February 17, 2022 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

Milinkovic-Savic Talks Lessons From Pogba & Admiration of Thiago

PORTO, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 17: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic of SS Lazio in action during the UEFA Europa League Knockout Round Play-Offs Leg One match between FC Porto and SS Lazio at Estadio do Dragao on February 17, 2022 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic looked at Paul Pogba and Thiago for inspiration whilst underlining his consistent growth in recent years.

The 27-year-old Serbian midfielder has been one of the stars of the show in Rome for a number of years now, shining under both Simone Inzaghi and Maurizio Sarri. Unfortunately for Lazio fans, he’s destined for a move to a top club this summer, giving the Roman club funds to overhaul their squad.

Speaking to DAZN (via LazioNews24), Milinkovic-Savic first spoke about his growth and if this season was his best so far.

For a few years now, the statistics say so, I’ve been playing a little better. Do I feel underrated? I don’t think about that, when I finish the game if I have time I’ll watch it again and then I decide if I did well or not, I am honest with myself.

In my movements without the ball I’ve grown a lot in recent years. Slowly I worked and this year you can see the results.

The Lazio midfielder touched on his unique way of controlling the ball with the sole of his foot.

The sole came because I couldn’t shoot with my right foot, I said I’ll shoot with my left and let’s see what happens. I like to use it because it takes your touch away, it depends on how the ball comes to me but I always try to control it with the sole.

Against shorter players I struggle more because I have to duck too. Who do I take inspiration from? I always watch Liverpool’s Thiago. Some body movements I developed thanks to Futsal, a sport I played as a child.

He spoke about the comparisons between him and former Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, who may make a return to Serie A this summer.

I learnt a lot from him at the beginning when I arrived in Italy and he was at Juventus. He is tall like me, has technique and already made the difference in games.

Finally, Milinkovic-Savic discussed where he sees himself in five years and his Ballon d’Or ambitions.

I don’t think so much about the future, I look at it day by day and don’t think too much about things.

Ballon d’Or? Of course I’d like that.

The 27-year-old Milinkovic-Savic has scored 10 goals and provided 11 assists in 35 Serie A appearances this season, being one of the most dangerous midfielders in Europe.

Tags Biancocelesti Italy Lazio Liverpool Manchester United Milinkovic-Savic Paul Pogba Pogba Rome Sergej Milinkovic-Savic Serie A thiago