Vitesse Arnhem’s Milot Rashica is in for a big third season in the Netherlands. The Kosovan will play an influential role in the club’s foray into Europe and will hope to make his name heard across the continent.
- By Michael Statham
- Follow Michael on Twitter @EredivisieMike
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Vitesse scouts spotted the teenage talent in Kosovo’s Superleague. Since then, the 21-year-old has enjoyed two fruitful seasons in the Netherlands.
In 15/16, the right-winger broke onto the scene with eight goals in 31 Eredivisie games. At the time, Rashica’s criticism came for his lack of service for strikers, instead tending to go for goal himself.
Last season witnessed a more fluent provider. A previous tally of three assists was increased to ten but the winger’s goals decreased to two during the last league campaign.
However, Rashica did add an extra two goals in the six cup games that lead to Vitesse’s first competition win in their history.
On the international stage, Rashica developed in Albania’s youth ranks but following only two senior caps chose instead to proudly represent new footballing nation Kosovo, accruing six appearances until now.
Style of Play
Rashica is a ‘true’ winger. He sticks to the right-touchline and loves to beat opponents with his dribbling and skills before providing for strikers with floated balls into the area or, more often, low, drilled crosses.
New striker Tim Matavz will be licking his lips at the prospect of playing with Rashica. The winger’s precise, key passes and success with poacher Ricky van Wolfswinkel last season will excite the former PSV man.
The Kosovan has not been tested as an inverted winger yet, and long may that continue given that his final ball has improved.
What to expect from Rashica this season
An impressive season with Vitesse to finish high in the table and some exciting matches in the Europa League group stages could see Rashica interesting some mid- to sub-top table teams in Europe’s top five leagues. Italy has already been a rumoured destination but first the Vitesse player must again hold down his starting XI place for a crucial campaign in the club’s history.
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Writer/interviewer/YouTuber for Football-Oranje. Massive Dutch football fan from the UK. Follow me @EredivisieMike & subscribe to Football-Oranje on YouTube.
