Scout Report – Ljubomir Fejsa
As per reports from the Sun, Tottenham Hotspur are chasing Benfica midfielder Ljubomir Fejsa in order to make him their first signing of the summer.
The 28-year old Serbian international has been an integral part of the Benfica team that has won four successive league titles in Portugal and Spurs are hoping to add him to their ranks in order to boost their midfield options.
Tottenham were linked with Sporting Lisbon’s midfield mainstay Adrien Silva earlier this month, and were also said to have made a bid for the 28-year old. However, it seems like that they have switched their attention towards Fejsa now and here we bring you the lowdown on the 28-year old and what he will offer to the North Londoners, if signed.
Footballing Background
Born on 14 August 1988, in Vrbas, SFR Yugoslavia, Fejsa started off his footballing journey with local club FK Vrbas, before he moved on to FK Hajduk Kula. Having broken into the first-team at Kula in the 2006-07 season, he went on to make 34 appearances for the club, scoring once, before he was signed up by Partizan Belgrade in the summer of 2008.
Fejsa became an integral part of the Serbian club immediately and went on to win the league title and the domestic cup in his debut season. The 28-year old went on to win two more league titles in the next two seasons, and another domestic cup in 2010-11, before he joined Greek club Olymipacos in the summer 2011. He left Partizan after having made 63 appearances, scoring and assisting 2 each.
The Serbian endured a tough start to life in Greece, as very early into his first term, he suffered an injury that ended his season after just 8 appearances. He struggled to break into the team the following season as well, and played only 15 league games. After having made a single appearance in the 2013/14 season, he was signed by Benfica in August 2013. Fejsa left Olympiacos having made 35 appearances and winning league title and domestic cup double in 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons. He also got a winners’ medal for 2013/14 despite having made a single appearance.
Fejsa continued his winning streak with Benfica and has been an integral part of the squad since his arrival at the club, winning four league titles and five cups in his four seasons. He was also a key performer for the club as they made it to the finals of the UEFA Europa League in his first season. He did struggle in the 2014/15 season due to a cruciate ligament injury. Till date, he has made 96 appearances for the Portuguese outfit and has scored twice.
The 28-year old has represented the Serbian national team on 23 occasions, having made his debut in 2007.
Style of Play
An out and out defensive midfielder, Fejsa has made a name for himself due to his tenacious nature and boundless energy in the middle of the park.
The 28-year old may not offer a lot in terms of goals and assists, but possesses a great range of distribution and can find his teammates with surgical precision from the midfield. He also possesses a deceptive turn of pace as well, which he uses well to break forward every now and then, and also to keep track of the opposition players.
A strong and a robust midfielder, Fejsa can hold on to the ball very effectively under pressure and can hold his own against physical opponents. But what makes him such a key cog in the team is his defensive awareness. Fejsa always seems to know where the danger is going to pop up, and is present to nip it in the bud, with crucial interceptions and strong but accurate tackles.
The Serbian international may not bring a lot of creativity from the middle of the park, but he adds a much-needed bite and doggedness to the midfield. More often than not, he is a very reliable player, much like Tottenham’s own Victor Wanyama.
What Does the Future Hold?
The 28-year old may not be the biggest of the names, but has had a hugely successful career so far. Since 2008, Fejsa has won a staggering 10 consecutive league titles with Partizan Belgrade, Olympiacos and SL Benfica.
Tottenham hope that adding someone with such experience and know-how will provide the team with a winning mentality and could turn out to be a missing piece between them and a trophy. Fejsa has two years left on his deal with Benfica and the Portuguese champions are believed to be unwilling to let him go. But an offer from Spurs may force the player and the club into thinking.
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