‘Sons of Serbia’ — Aljoša Vasić (Padova)

A few months ago, only some relatives and die-hard football fans in Serbia will have heard about Aljoša Vasić. In a year from now, I predict most Italian and Serbian football fans will know who he is. The Italian-born attacking midfielder is having his breakout season in Serie C and a move to Serie A is expected before long. With that, one of his two main footballing dreams would be fulfilled.

Vasić’s story begins in Camposampiero, a small town in the heart of the Veneto region. His parents migrated to Italy in search of a better life. ‘I was born in Italy, but my parents are from Banja Luka. We still feel Serbian in every way possible.’

He regularly visits Banja Luka. ‘At least twice a year, to visit family and to disconnect from my busy life when I need to rest and relax. I love to go back there, as it gives me perspective and motivates me to do whatever I can to reach the top in Italy.’

When he returns, he plays his football for local pride Padova Calcio. A club with a lot of history, that’s looking for its way back to the top. Also, the club that helped produce one of the greatest Italian players of all-time — Alessandro Del Piero.

Vasić has been part of Padova’s set-up since 4th grade. ‘Padova has been my most important school. The club welcomed me when I was little and helped me grow into the man I am today. Both as a footballer and a human being.’

And even if he does end up leaving some day soon, he’ll always carry the club in his heart: ‘I’ve been here for many years and was a fan of the club long before I joined. I will forever be grateful.’

When asked about idols, Aljoša is quick to mention two of them: ‘My idol growing up was always Ronaldinho. I loved to watch his moves. He made me fall in love with the sport. But right now my favourite player is Sergej Milinković-Savić. An incredible midfielder who combines technique with physicality.’

The two midfielders, who play similar roles and are both originally from Republika Srpska, even met: ‘I was lucky enough to play against him and meet him during a summer friendly. He even gave me his shirt at the end of the match. A gesture I truly appreciated.’

If it’s up to Aljoša, they’ll become teammates one day in the future. ‘One of my dreams has always been to play for the Serbian national team. I recently finally received my citizenship and can’t wait to get called up and earn my place in the Serbian national youth team.’

In the Serbian league, meanwhile, he supports Crvena zvezda. ‘I would love to play at the Marakana some day.’’

Like Sergej, Vasić stands out with his technical ability, his height — 188 CM — and his goalscoring prowess. What makes him different is the fact that he’s very agile and quick for a player as tall as he is.

He describes himself as a mezzala, something of a central winger: ‘I can play on both sides. I mainly rely on my athletic predispositions, my physical profile and my technical ability. And the higher up I play on the pitch, the more comfortable I am, as I’ve always had an eye for the goal.’

For a more detailed analysis of his qualities, follow the link below.

With 8 goals and 4 assists in 35 appearances, Vasić has developed nicely over the course of this season, but he still sees a plenty of scope for improvement: ‘I can progress in all aspects of my game. But I especially want to focus on the finer details, because I know that way I can become a complete player.’

Recently, with increased media attention from renowned outlets such as Gazetto dello Sport, he’s even picked up his form, as Padova secured a spot in the play-offs for promotion to Serie B. They face Pergolettese at home this Sunday, in the opening round.

Vasić’s excellent form has only led to more interest from Serie A teams, as even Juventus is being mentioned as a possible move now, alongside teams like Roma, Fiorentina, Atalanta, Sassuolo, Bologna and more.

Vasić meanwhile is focused on his goals. He says he has two big dreams for the next couple of years, when it comes to football: ‘To play in Serie A and for the Serbian national team. I’ll do everything I can to reach those goals.’

He wants to do all that while creating a legacy. ‘When I’m done with football, I want to leave something bigger behind. For the many children like me, who started from nothing, chasing big dreams. I want to show them everything is possible.’