Real Madrid fans will get a chance to see one of their new signings in action this summer as Luka Jovic plays for Serbia’s Under-21 side at the Euros in Italy.
First up for the former Eintracht Frankfurt frontman at the tournament is a group stage opener against Austria on Monday (Sky Sports, kick-off: 17:30 BST).
The Serbian youth team are general 21/20 betting favourites to start the Under-21 Euros off with victory. That is no small part down to the presence of Jovic in their ranks.
After a prolific season in the Bundesliga and Europa League with Frankfurt, it’s easy to see why the Bernabeu came calling as Zinedine Zidane begins overhauling Los Blancos’ squad.
Jovic scored 27 goals in 48 games for the German side this past club season and has also been a hit at international level.
He comes into the Under-21 Euros with a record of seven in 14 caps in that age bracket – an average of a goal every other game.
Already doing the business as a full international
Not only that, but Jovic has played for Serbia’s senior national side six times already. He has struck twice in his all three appearances as a full international.
Now dropping back down to Under-21 level and having already scored against Austria in qualifying, Jovic looks value at 7/5 with Paddy Power to net again anytime.
Serbia were unbeaten in qualification for the Under-21 Euros, winning eight and drawing two games conceding just five goals in the process.
That strong defensive record, coupled with attacking talent means a Jovic wincast at 5/2 looks a very tasty wager for this match.
Only England and Romania had meaner defences in qualifying, so the future looks bright for Serbia and that is enshrined by Jovic who remains a footballer on the rise.
His Serbia side should go far at this tournament and this in many ways is the perfect starting point for them.
Bet of the Day: 5/2 with Paddy Power, Luka Jovic wincast in Serbia v Austria at the Under-21 Euros
