In this series I will be shining a light on players who have not received enough recognition this season.

The first player in this series is Aleksandar Pavlovic, the 20-year old center-mid who currently plays for Bayern Munich. Making his debut last season and almost immediately becoming a key cog in the Bayern system, Pavlovic has made massive steps this season. With Goretzka’s form dropping the last few seasons, and Kimmich being pushed to right back, Pavlovic has made the deep lying role at Bayern his.

Although, not the flashiest player in the world with only 1 G&A this season in the league, his ball retention abilities is essential to Kompany’s Bayern. Pavlovic ranks in the 99th percentile in pass completion for midfielders in the top 5 leagues. What makes this even more impressive is that he ranks in the 98th percentile for passes completed. With an eye for a pass, placing in the 98th percentile in progressive passes, Pavlovic also helps his team make progress up the field, which helps maintain possession in the opponents half, while imposing themselves and pushing the opponents back.

At only 20 years of age, Pavlovic still has lots of growth left and can still evolve his playing style. If he continues in this ryhthm, Germany are not going to miss Kroos that much, as he can easily slot into the deep role that Kroos has liberated. Every football fan needs to know this name, as he will be one of the top midfielders in the world for the next decade.