New Spotlight: Milinkovic-Savic Reclaims His Free-Kick Magic for Al Hilal

New Spotlight

In a season clouded by questions over Sergej Milinkovic-Savic's future with Al Hilal, the Serbian international is determined to launch a fresh chapter of brilliance in the blue shirt.

The 30-year-old, whose contract runs through this season, remains waiting for a firm decision on his next move amid talk of a mutual understanding on the broad terms of a new deal, with the signing yet to be formalized.

Meanwhile, the former Lazio star has been turning in standout contributions, proving indispensable in a chessboard-like system guided by Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, whom he has known since their Lazio days.

Distinctive Technique

Savic struck a superb free kick against Al Sadd, helping Al Hilal to a 3-1 victory that kept them atop the group standings in the Asian Champions League.

While the club intensifies work to erase past mistakes and press their bid for the trophy this edition, his form provides the manager with a practical edge in many forward moments.

The Serbian ace also fired from a free kick with notable precision, reactivating a weapon he had sidelined for a while, and scoring again after 264 days without a set-piece goal.

Last January, he netted a superb free-kick against Al Khaleed, and he has been a favorite target for the club’s fans, scoring twice against the same keeper in the past.

Overall, Savic has bagged three league free kicks last season, turning this into a lethal weapon at his feet, but he waited for the new campaign’s early phase to reemerge with this signature strike.

The Serbian star favors a striking blend of power and accuracy, not simply the Cristiano Ronaldo style of raw power aimed over the wall, nor Lionel Messi’s precise placement in the far corner that tests the keeper’s reflexes.

But the Serbian has developed a method that combines power with precision, and a vertical lift that makes stopping it a tough task for many goalkeepers.

Great Significance

Savic has been a core pillar for Al Hilal since joining from Lazio in 2023, quickly becoming one of the central midfield pillars in the Saudi Pro League thanks to a unique blend of physical strength, tactical vision, and attacking decisiveness.

He plays a pivotal role in the build, linking defense and attack and helping to unlock spaces, with assists and goals altering outcomes.

This season, he has featured in most key matches, contributing to a solid tally of goals and assists in both the league and ACL, cementing his status as a team-wide difference-maker.

Beyond the numbers, there’s a leadership streak, professionalism in big games, and the fans’ affection that makes him a cornerstone as the team chases domestic glory and another Asian crown.

With a long, demanding season ahead, his presence should help Inzaghi realize the solidity the coach dreams of, while the midfield maestro keeps searching to remain a central figure in the quest for titles.

Punchline 1: If free kicks were a currency, Savic just minted a fortune.

Punchline 2: The ball respects his name so much it files an autograph request.