Three ways Samir Zeljkovic can improve Mohun Bagan SG in 2026-27 season

The Bosnian midfielder joined Mohun Bagan SG from Punjab FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant have begun their squad revamp ahead of the 2026-27 season, as they made a statement of intent with their first signing of the summer window in Samir Zeljkovic. The Bosnian midfielder made an impressive impact for Punjab FC in the 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL), with his robust performances catching the attention of the Mariners and compelling them to make a move for him.

With Zeljkovic, Mohun Bagan Super Giant are getting a highly experienced player who has had the experience of playing in UEFA competitions (UEFA Europa Conference League) in the past as well.

The 28-year-old midfielder boasts an impressive in-game IQ levels and an ability to get in the right positions at correct moments to help add more steel to his side.

He should be an ideal player for the Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach because of his availability and varied attributes, making him capable of adjusting his game to whatever the system demands.

In this article, we will look at the three ways in which Samir Zeljkovic can improve Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the 2026-27 season.

3. More goal contributions from midfield

Mohun Bagan faced an annoying goal-scoring issue towards the second half of the 2025-26 season, which ultimately cost them in the ISL title race. They just didn’t get enough goals from their midfielders, overburdening the forwards to come up with the goods.

However, now with the signing of Zeljkovic, they can expect to get more goal contributions from their midfield line as well.

The Bosnian midfielder was able to score some impressive goals in his side’s wins over Kerala Blasters and Inter Kashi last season, showcasing his impressive qualities in the final third.

Moreover, Zeljkovic was also able to get three assists (that too from 0.57 expected assists) and showcase his qualities in delivering quality passes for teammates to latch onto.

Zeljkovic’s signing should help add more diversity to Mohun Bagan’s goal contributions outlet, with the 28-year-old proactive in sneaking out goal-scoring opportunities for his side.

He can definitely improve their element of surprise, especially from set-pieces and perhaps open up some more freedom for the forwards.

2. Increasing versatility options in trying out variations in tactics

It’s not like Mohun Bagan Super Giant signed Zeljkovic only because he is such a hard-working and efficient midfielder, but also because the Bosnian star can play in a variety of different roles. He can basically play in multiple areas in midfield – be it as a defensive midfielder or even in a no.8 role if necessary.

Moreover, Samir is also quite adept at settling into a centre-back role – meaning he can even slot into the Mohun Bagan defence without a notable drop-off in quality in their backline.

Zeljkovic’s versatility should be a major boon for the Mariners and also allow their gaffer to try out different variations in their lineups with the Bosnian footballer in different positions.

He can potentially play in a centre-back role if Mohun Bagan’s primary defenders need rest, and he can definitely thrive in his natural defensive midfield role as well.

Zeljkovic’s adaptability to position himself into different positions without impacting his performance levels should help improve the overall quality of the Mohun Bagan side and help them dominate games in a more controlling manner next season.

Also Read: Why the 2026-27 season can be make-or-break for Manvir Singh’s career at Mohun Bagan SG?

1. Boost in composure and control in the midfield

Even though Mohun Bagan Super Giant had the most possession per game average in the 2025-26 ISL campaign, they struggled to properly control matches despite having the ball with them for large chunk of matches.

They often lacked midfielders capable of making line-breaking passes that can disrupt a defensive shape, forcing their attacking players to often drop deep to link-up play or try to do everything by themselves.

With the addition of an experienced midfielder like Zeljkovic, the Mariners should be able to add more sustained control to their game that can actually put opposition players under immense pressure.

Zeljkovic is capable of making risky passes that can disrupt a defensive line, as well as finding teammates in free positions for them to threaten opponents. Moreover, the Bosnian midfielder is also excellent in acting as a destroyer – whose defensive skills allow him to ruin counter-attacking moves of opponents with relative ease.

His energetic presence in the midfield and decent passing skills should help increase the element of surprise in Mohun Bagan’s build-up play – helping them play more incisive attacking football next season as well.

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