Three ways in which Slavko Damjanovic can help Bengaluru FC

Slavko Damjanovic is now a well-known face in the ISL.

Indian Super League (ISL) outfit and last season’s runners-up Bengaluru FC recently announced the arrival of Montenegrin defender Slavko Damjanovic ahead of the 2023-24 season to take over the defensive duties at the back.

The defender joins the Blues on a season-long deal after winning the highly coveted ISL title with Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the season gone by. Slavko is expected to be Bengaluru FC’s main man at the back for the upcoming season as the Blues look to achieve their ultimate goal after missing out narrowly on the title last season.

On that note, Khel Now takes a look at how Slavko Damjanovic can help Bengaluru FC go the distance this season.

3. Knows the league well

Slavko has become a household name in Indian football and knows the dynamics of the league very well. He first came to India in the 2021-22 season and donned the colours of Chennaiyin FC. It was a bittersweet season for the Marina Machans but the Montenegrin defender had a fantastic season on a personal level.

And last season Damjanovic came in midway through the season and signed for Mohun Bagan. The 31-year-old helped the Mariners clinch their first-ever Indian Super League title with a solid run of performances at the back. Damjanovic comes into the Blues’ set up after winning the title and will undoubtedly be an important asset for them.

2. Brings in defensive solidity

Bengaluru FC have struggled big time with their defensive woes and have been very inconsistent at the back. But last season, they seemed to have found a good solution to their problem in Sandesh Jhingan who formed a formidable partnership with all his teammates. 

But, with Sandesh Jhingan having moved to FC Goa, the Blues are again left with the same set of problems at the back. Now with Slavko Damjanovic’s arrival, it seems the former champions have a good replacement in place. The Montenegrin will have to shoulder the responsibility of bringing in balance and consistency to the defence and form a strong partnership with Aleksandar Jovanovic or his Indian counterpart.

1. A ball playing defender

Slavko Damjanovic adds a unique and rare attribute to the Bengaluru FC backline. The Montenegrin belongs to a rare species of left-footed central defenders which is already an added advantage for the Blues. The ISL champion showed how good he is with the ball and the impact that he can create.

He is very good with his ball progression and possesses a good passing ability as well. As mentioned earlier, he’s good with the ball but his movements without the ball are no less either. His game reading skills coupled with his ability to execute perfectly-timed challenges makes a steal for Bengaluru FC.