Is Calhanoglu’s heir already in-house? Stankovic Jr. shines in Lucerne

The Serbian midfielder hasn’t felt the slightest impact from stepping up to the professional level, and he dreams of returning to Milan.

It’s been clear for some time that Aleksandar Stankovic isn’t just any talent: he has personality to spare, leadership qualities, and exceptional technical skills. 

Traits that might seem to come “by right,” thanks to a very important surname. And yet, the youngest member of the Stankovic family is earning everything through hard work and a constant desire to improve. 

A modern, complete midfielder, capable of combining technique and physicality, vision and fighting spirit. 

Inter Milan knows it well, Switzerland figured it out months ago, and the rest of Europe is already taking notes. 

What an impact in Lucerne

Having arrived in Lucerne in the summer, on loan with both a purchase option and a buy-back clause, Stankovic Jr. immediately adapted perfectly to his new environment. 

In his first experience among the professionals, the 2005-born midfielder instantly claimed a starting spot and took control of the team’s play under coach Mario Frick (a familiar face in Italian football), showing no signs of struggle in the transition to senior football. 

With 32 appearances in 32 league matches — 28 of them as a starter — and 2 more in the Swiss Cup, Stankovic has been one of the protagonists of Lucerne’s brilliant season. 

Currently third in the standings and in the race for a European spot, his performances haven’t gone unnoticed.

Future prospects
 

The free-kick goal he scored yesterday in the match against Young Boys has gone viral, sparking inevitable comparisons with his father. 

Also a midfielder, Aleksandar is more of a playmaker than Dejan was, with fewer attacking runs but the same leadership qualities and character. 

That’s one of the reasons why the number of Inter Milan fans hoping to see him back in Milan is growing — perhaps to develop under Calhanoglu’s wing and eventually become the Turkish player’s natural heir.

Meanwhile, the Inter Milan management is studying the best strategy: after renewing his contract in the summer of 2023, there’s a concrete idea of integrating him permanently into the First Team squad. 

However, if important offers were to come in — and there’s no shortage of admirers — they would be carefully considered. 

One thing is certain: Ale is no longer just “Dejan’s son.”

Source: Fcinter1908.it