Millwall’s young striker Mihailo Ivanovic delivered a stellar performance on Saturday, helping his team clinch a 2-1 victory against Portsmouth at The Den. It was a big moment for the 20-year-old forward, who scored both of Millwall’s goals. His game-winning header in the 87th minute gave them all three points and greatly lifted their playoff hopes. On the back of this victory, Millwall moved up to ninth place in the Championship table, reducing the distance to the top six down to just five points.
Ivanovic’s opening goal, scored just a few minutes earlier in the match, displayed the forward’s impressive attacking ability. He scored his second of the night with a ferocious header. That exquisite goal completed a magnificent few hours for the teenage sensation, who’s shot to prominence as one of the Championship’s most exciting players.
A Breakthrough Performance
One of those was Mihailo Ivanovic, who gave an outstanding showing against Portsmouth. It was his second consecutive home game with a score, punctuating his goalscorer’s touch. With nearly ten goals in the Championship this season, he is on track to reach double figures before the season concludes. His knack for putting the ball in the back of the net has attracted the eyes of supporters, talking heads and managers all across Europe.
His manager, Millwall’s Alex Neil, proselytized on Ivanovic’s contributions, emphasizing how crucial his goals have been to their playoff pursuit. He remarked,
“Any 20-year-old that leads the line in the Championship and can get nearly [10 goals], and he [Ivanovic] will get double figures before the end of the season.”
Even that public show of support conveys the lofty expectations placed upon Ivanovic. He sets himself apart as one of the few strikers his age in as competitive of a league.
Climbing the Ranks
The win against Portsmouth could prove to be a huge turning point in Millwall’s season. Ivanovic scored an unexpected winner in the final seconds of the match. That win allowed the crew to build on their momentum and stay in solid position while hunting down a playoff spot. Indeed, their position in ninth place is already a fantastic achievement given how close and competitive the league has been this season.
Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho gave credit to Millwall and described how the match was shaping up in this short passage. Speaking to the outcome, he sounded somewhat prescient in his characterization, saying,
“It feels like a bit of deja vu from a few weeks ago, to be honest.”
That sentiment reflects at least some of the frustrations that have haunted Portsmouth as they’ve looked to build more stability between their performances.
Looking Ahead
Photo by James Chance/Getty Images As the campaign moves into its second half, Mihailo Ivanovic will prove crucial to Millwall’s fortunes. The young striker’s development is closely watched, with many considering him one of Europe’s top 10 young talents. His ability to dominate games is remarkable for a player his age. This skillset combined make him a very appealing young player for his club and national team.
With every game, Ivanovic elevates his stature. He further secures his place in Millwall’s game plan as they continue to push for a playoff spot. Though fans and analysts alike should be monitoring his development, there is much to be optimistic about regarding Collins’ future contributions.
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