ASN: Novakovich inks Studying extension and strikes to Fortuna Sittard on mortgage

United States nationwide staff ahead Anridja Novakovich is heading to the Eredivisie the place he’ll be a part of newly promoted Fortuna Sittard on mortgage from Studying FC. ASN’s Brian Sciaretta chimes in along with his ideas on the transfer. 

BY

Brian Sciaretta

Posted
June 20, 2018
6:00 AM

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THERE HAVE BEEN a whole lot of rumors linking American gamers with numerous strikes all through Europe however U.S. nationwide staff ahead Andrija Novakovich inked an extension along with his father or mother membership, Studying, and agreed to a season-long mortgage to Fortuna Sittard of the Eredivisie on Wednesday.

The brand new take care of Studying will maintain him on the English membership by way of 2020. The mortgage to Fortuna Sittard will run by way of June 2019. 

The mortgage is a promising improvement and there are a number of the explanation why it is smart for Novakovich.

First, Novakovich, 21, is coming off a incredible season for FC Telstar within the Eerste Divisie – the second tier of Dutch soccer. In his one yr for Telstar, Novakovich scored 22 objectives in 38 video games throughout all competitions. At 6’4, he dominated the league with a mix of measurement and energy and in addition a excessive diploma of technical capability.

Whereas Telstar was not anticipated to compete for promotion, Novakovich’s offensive manufacturing led the membership on a run into the promotional playoffs the place he got here up quick within the first spherical with a loss to De Graafschap. However his season attracted the curiosity of Eredivisie golf equipment and two call-ups to the U.S. nationwide staff.

Most significantly, this mortgage will maintain Novakovich in the identical nation the place he’s a recognized participant. He is aware of the fashion in Holland and has slot in effectively so this will likely be a clean continuation of his improvement. The competitors will clearly be a lot larger within the Eredivisie than the Eerste Divisie however Novakovich has clearly confirmed that he’s prepared for a step up.

Fortuna Sittard is effectively conversant in Novakovich too because the membership was additionally within the second tier final yr – incomes automated promotion for its first season within the Eredivisie in 16 years. 

Second, American attackers have usually thrived within the Eredivisie – way over the English Championship. Jozy Altidore, Aron Johannsson, Bjorn Maars Johnsen (who was born/raised in the US however performs for Norway), and even Juan Agudelo for a short time all slot in properly to the league. The English Championship, however, has been a tricky league for American forwards.

Third, there was a whole lot of modifications at Studying since Novakovich left in the summertime of 2017. Jaap Stam was the staff’s supervisor on the time. Stam, a legend in Holland as a participant and a promising supervisor on the youth degree for 2 Dutch groups, helped orchestrate the mortgage to Studying. However Stam was fired in direction of the top of final season and changed by Paul Clement.

Studying has additionally dissatisfied since Novakovich left and expectations are completely different. On the finish of the 2016/17 season, Studying nearly received promotion to the Premier League however misplaced within the playoff remaining. One yr later, the membership narrowly escaped relegation.

Lastly, Fortuna Sittard seems to be an excellent alternative for Novakovich, 21, as a result of the membership needed to compete exhausting to signal the native of Muskego, Wisconsin. The membership admitted on Wednesday that there was a whole lot of curiosity all through the Eredivisie.

“I am delighted that Andrija has chosen us”, Fortuna Sittard technical director Mustafa Aztopal stated. “He had an excellent season with Telstar, which meant several Eredivisie clubs wanted his signature. We have done our best to successfully get him to Sittard. Andrija believes in the project we started and has confidence in the club. With him we get a complete striker who has a good understanding of the game, is pretty fast and who is not afraid to carry out his defensive tasks. He is American international and just as ambitious as we are. I am therefore convinced that next season he will become one of the most important players in our team. Andrija already told me that he is happy to be part of Fortuna family.”

Novakovich stated that Fortuna Sittard received out among the many competitions as a result of it made the most effective pitch and made him really feel that might have an enormous function within the upcoming season.

“There have been a number of rivals however my alternative for Fortuna is a really aware one,” Novakovich defined. “They tried even harder than the rest to convince me. That is very trusting. I really believe in their plans for the future. Last season they have already shown where those plans can lead. Fortuna is ambitious and I am. They offer me a big stage to prove myself on a higher level.”