Opinion: How Man City’s £6m flop has grown big to become a key part of Simeone’s defence

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Audrick Kramer

Stefan Savic – A Manchester City outcast to Atletico Madrid’s key centre-back

Stefan Savic, 29, rose through the ranks of Brskovo and FC Borca in Serbia before joining Partizan Belgrade in 2011. After a season with the Serbian giants, Manchester City bought him for £6m as he became the second defensive signing that season after Arsenal’s Gael Clichy.

He made enough appearances to earn a Premier League winner’s medal but was not involved in the last 8 league games. But City fans would never forget him for his error-strewn nightmare 11 months stint at Etihad. One month into the new campaign, he was traded to Fiorentina as a part of a deal to bring Matija Nastasic to Etihad.

However, it proved to be a blessing for Savic, whose game improved immeasurably in Italy. He became a regular member of La Viola’s squad and featured in 26 games in his first Serie A season. He went on to develop himself tactically and physically while making 108 appearances for Fiorentina.

Stefan Savic had a disastrous spell with Manchester City (Getty Images)
Stefan Savic had a disastrous spell with Manchester City (Getty Images)

The Montenegro international was instrumental in the Italian outfit’s run to the semi-finals of the Europa League in the 2014/15 season and he impressed so much that Diego Simeone signed him in the summer of 2015.

The 29-year-old’s first season in the Spanish capital was plagued by injuries but later on, he established himself in the heart of Atletico Madrid’s defence. He also played a key role in the Rojiblancos’ Europa League title-winning campaign and featured in the UEFA Super Cup win over Real Madrid that season.

The former Fiorentina man’s ability has helped him become a key figure in the heart of the defence of one of the best defensive teams in Europe. Though he struggled with a muscle injury at the start of the campaign, Savic marshalled the defensive line like a true leader in the team’s Champions League knockout fixture against Liverpool.

Stefan Savic has established himself as a key player in Atletico Madrid's defence (Getty Images)
Stefan Savic has established himself as a key player in Atletico Madrid’s defence (Getty Images)

Manchester City fans may be scratching their heads at Savic being described in such terms. And his robust nature would have been of immense help to the English outfit, especially throughout this season as they have struggled with their own defensive unit.

It’s amazing sometimes that footballers who struggle at a certain club go on to develop into different monsters elsewhere. ‘Right place at the right time’ is one phrase that football is all about.