Persebaya Surabaya has officially signed Montenegrin central defender Slavko Damjanovic. The 31-year-old player is expected to bolster Persebaya’s defense, which conceded many goals last season. Here are seven interesting facts about Slavko Damjanovic, Persebaya’s new defender:
1. Internationally Experienced Player
Slavko Damjanovic boasts extensive experience playing in various international leagues. His career began with Montenegrin clubs such as FK Čelik Nikšić, FK Mogren, FK Sutjeska Nikšić, and FK Mornar. He then moved to Serbia, playing for FK Spartak Subotica and FK Bačka 1901.
In the summer of 2015, he transferred to Hungary to play for Békéscsaba 1912 Előre in the Nemzeti Bajnokság I for one season. His career further expanded to South Africa with Bidvest Wits FC, Uzbekistan with Budućnost Podgorica, and a return to Serbia before heading to the Indian Super League with Chennaiyin FC and Bengaluru FC.
2. Chosen by Paul Munster
Slavko Damjanovic was directly chosen by Persebaya’s coach, Paul Munster. This decision was not made lightly; Munster, with his keen eye for player quality, believes that Slavko’s experience and skills will be invaluable to the team.
Munster noted that Slavko had significant playing time in the Indian Super League, which strongly influenced his choice. Standing at 189 cm tall, Slavko is expected to fill the defensive gap left by Dusan Stevanovic.
3. Persebaya’s Third Foreign Signing
Slavko Damjanovic is Persebaya’s third foreign signing for the upcoming season, following Flavio Silva and Gilson Costa. Flavio and Gilson have already joined and begun training with the team after a two-month break. Slavko’s arrival completes the foreign player quota and adds strength and variety to the defense. Persebaya’s management entrusted the decision of foreign recruits entirely to coach Paul Munster, who has strong confidence in Slavko’s potential impact.
4. Success in the Indian Super League
While playing in the Indian Super League, Slavko Damjanovic achieved remarkable success. During the 2022/2023 season, he helped ATK Mohun Bagan win the league title. This experience not only boosted Slavko’s confidence but also demonstrated his champion mentality.
Last season with Bengaluru FC, Slavko made 18 appearances, 16 in the Indian Super League and two in the India Super Cup. These statistics highlight his consistency and ability to quickly adapt to different leagues.
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5. Ideal Physical Attributes
Standing at 189 cm, Slavko Damjanovic has the ideal height for a central defender. His stature provides an advantage in aerial duels, both defensively and offensively during set-pieces.
His height also allows for greater reach in intercepting passes and winning physical battles. Such attributes are crucial when facing dangerous strikers in the Indonesian league.
6. Extensive Experience in Various Leagues
Slavko Damjanovic’s colorful career proves he is a highly experienced defender. From Montenegro to Serbia, Hungary, South Africa, Uzbekistan, and India, Slavko has faced various styles of play and competition levels.
In Montenegro, he achieved success with FK Sutjeska Nikšić and FK Budućnost Podgorica, including winning the Montenegrin Cup. In South Africa, he won the Telkom Knockout with Bidvest Wits. This extensive experience enables him to adapt quickly to new environments and contribute maximally.
7. Free Transfer Acquisition
Persebaya signed Slavko Damjanovic on a free transfer. His contract with Bengaluru FC ended on May 31, 2024, allowing Persebaya to secure his services without incurring a transfer fee.
This free transfer status is a significant advantage for Persebaya’s management, as they can allocate funds for other needs, such as team development or additional player acquisitions. Given Slavko’s experience and skills, this acquisition is seen as a smart move to strengthen Bajol Ijo’s defense.
The presence of Slavko Damjanovic is expected to have a positive impact and provide a solution to Persebaya’s defensive issues from last season. Let’s see if Slavko can outperform his predecessor and help Persebaya achieve greater success in the upcoming season.
