“I think there’s a great box-to-box player in him but he’s often been deployed very deep as either a lone defensive midfielder or as part of a holding partnership. Had an absolutely unbelievable pre-season and first few months this season when he looked like one of the best defensive midfield prospects in his age range on the planet but slowed down as the season dragged on and his role diminished with more experienced midfielders playing alongside him.”

Reported Coventry City target Marko Stamenic of Crvena Zvezda in action against Phil Foden
Reported Coventry City target Marko Stamenic of Crvena Zvezda in action against Phil Foden of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League Group G match between Manchester City and FK Crvena Zvezda at Etihad Stadium in September, 2023

“He’s prone to a yellow card and while he can and does carry the ball forward with confidence, he falters a bit when forced to make a decision in the final third and often fluffs the final ball. He’s not a goal threat at all right now.

“I feel it is an important aspect of his game that his long passing is significantly better than his short passing, which is honestly poor for a central midfielder. He’s smooth on the ball with space but never really seems completely comfortable when he doesn’t have a lot of time to weigh up his next move. Give him a few seconds, though, and he’ll launch an inch-perfect bullet!”

Reported Coventry City target Marko Stamenic is 'prone' to the odd yellow card
Reported Coventry City target Marko Stamenic is ‘prone’ to the odd yellow card

“Stamenic is a guy I’ve followed since he was 15 or so and he’s a guy whose future I’m very invested in because of this and I’ve watched him a lot! I’ve tried to watch as many live games as possible throughout his club career (caught 20 this season) and, of course, have watched all of his international games.