Strahinja Pavlović made the jump to the Serbian national football team and to AC Milan via Red Bull Salzburg. In Salzburg, the defender won the hearts of all fans because he pushed himself to the limit in every game. The 23-year-old’s strengths were also felt by the stars of European champions Spain.
In the first game after winning the European Championship title in Germany, Spain were overwhelmingly superior to Serbia in Belgrade, but in a one-goal match the 2024 European champions could only manage a 0-0 draw at the start of the Nations League Division A. The defender played a major role in the Serbs remaining undefeated after a disappointing Euro. Strahinja Pavlovic. The former professional from Austria’s runner-up Red Bull Salzburg, who moved from the Bulls to AC Milan for 20 million euros before the start of the season, drove the Spanish top stars to despair again and again with his tackles, tough but always fair duels, his header strength and his rescue actions. Whatever the Spaniards tried, Pavlović knew the right answer. With absolute commitment, motivated to the core and enormously strong running, the 23-year-old also attempted the rare relief attacks of the Serbs, in which Salzburg strikers also Petar Ratkov came into play.
Spain entered Belgrade with nine consecutive victories behind them. The rejuvenated Serbs, however, successfully stood up to the European champions. Strahinja Pavlovic, who moved from Salzburg to Milan in the summer, put in a strong performance in defence, while his club colleague Luka Jovic missed a great opportunity to take the lead after just over half an hour. Spain controlled the game but was unable to capitalise. Young star Lamine Yamal and co. were too harmless in their shots. The Spaniards increased the pace again in the second half, but were unable to force the decisive goal. Spain’s team manager Luis de la Fuente remained extremely calm after the goalless draw. “I’m not worried. It’s almost like a warm-up game for us given the circumstances. It’s still early in the season and the calendar is very full for the players. It’s a process and we’ll carry on,” said the 63-year-old.
AC Milan seems to have invested the 20 million euros well for the physically extremely strong central defender Pavlovic. The central defender has already gained a foothold in the Italian league. Pavlović was recently in the starting eleven for Milan twice. And in the 2-2 draw in Rome against Lazio, Pavlović headed the ball to give them a 1-0 lead. In the past, Pavlovic has always made the right decisions when it comes to transfers. In 2022, the Serb moved from Basel to AS Monaco. There he gained his first experience in one of Europe’s top leagues. However, the defender was unable to fight for a regular place in the team. He therefore accepted an offer from Red Bull Salzburg. At the Bulls, Pavlovic rose to become a leading player with great mental strength and increased his market value from eight to 25 million euros. His fearless style of play, his physical strength and his presence on the pitch ensured that Pavlovic made the jump to Milan. Pavlovic has played 34 international matches for Serbia so far – and there are many more to come. Pavlovic is currently on cloud nine and he knows that he has a lot to thank Red Bull Salzburg for: “I came to FC Red Bull Salzburg as a young player and can say today that it was the best decision I could have made at the time. Here, they rely on young players, give them every opportunity and the chance to become the best version of themselves if they are prepared to work hard. I had two wonderful years here in which I experienced a lot. I will look back on my time in Salzburg with great fondness and many positive memories.”
