Germany’s second squad in the international break dazzled all with their conviction and repaid the new German coach Jürgen Klopp with a 2-0 victory over Serbia. Bayern Munich’s Aleksandar Pavlović received a special shoutout from his manager for his efforts.
The eye of the storm
The 22 year-old midfielder was a reliable central piece to Klopp’s high tempo playstyle. Overlapping runs, diagonal crosses, dribbles and shots from wingers, counter-pressing defense along with a sweeping goalkeeper. At the center of it all was Pavlović,
who was the glue that ensured the ball was received and fed to the most productive channel.
And for having facilitated that central role exceptionally well, Jürgen Klopp could not hold back his praise for Pavlović. “What a game by Pavlović. He was everywhere!” exclaimed Klopp (ZDF via @iMiaSanMia) after the third Nations League game of this international window.
Pavlović was the go-to man for his team, registering a game high 148 touches and making 123 passes with a remarkable 93 percent accuracy. He combined his machine-like passing ability with his attacking vision to create three chances.
The midfielder has been working on his defensive skillset as well. Against a robust Serbian side committed to physical challenges, Pavlović’s recoveries and 60 percent duel success allowed Germany to retain and dominate possession. Pavlović was a vital cog of the stable base upon which Klopp’s intense attacking brand of football could play out on the pitch.
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