Milan Škriniar Explained

Milan Škriniar
Full Name:Milan Škriniar[1]
Birth Date:11 February 1995
Birth Place:Žiar nad Hronom, Slovakia
Height:1.88 m[2]
Position:Centre-back
Currentclub:Paris Saint-Germain
Clubnumber:37
Youthyears1:2006–2007
Youthclubs1:Žiar nad Hronom
Youthyears2:2008–2012
Youthclubs2:Žilina
Years1:2012–2016
Clubs1:Žilina
Caps1:77
Goals1:12
Years2:2012–2013
Clubs2:ViOn Zlaté Moravce (loan)
Caps2:7
Goals2:0
Years3:2016–2017
Clubs3:Sampdoria
Caps3:38
Goals3:0
Years4:2017–2023
Clubs4:Inter Milan
Caps4:193
Goals4:10
Years5:2023–
Caps5:24
Goals5:0
Nationalyears1:2011
Nationalcaps1:3
Nationalgoals1:0
Nationalyears2:2012–2013
Nationalcaps2:5
Nationalgoals2:0
Nationalyears3:2013–2014
Nationalcaps3:3
Nationalgoals3:0
Nationalyears4:2012–2017
Nationalcaps4:19
Nationalgoals4:3
Nationalyears5:2016–
Nationalteam5:Slovakia
Nationalcaps5:72
Nationalgoals5:3
Club-Update:23:23, 19 May 2024 (UTC)
Nationalteam-Update:19:01, 30 June 2024 (UTC)

Milan Škriniar (born 11 February 1995) is a Slovak professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and captains the Slovakia national team.

Škriniar began his career in his native Slovakia with Žilina. He also underwent a loan spell at ViOn Zlaté Moravce early in his career. In 2016, Škriniar moved to Italy with Sampdoria, where he would play for a season before joining league rivals Internazionale. Škriniar went on to win one Serie A, two Coppa Italia, and two Supercoppa Italiana titles for the Nerazzurri, eventually becoming the team's captain. He joined French club Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.

As a youth international, Škriniar represented Slovakia at under-17, under-18, under-19, and under-21 level. In May 2016, at the age of 21, he made his senior Slovakia debut, and was selected for the team representing his country at UEFA Euro 2016. Škriniar later played for Slovakia at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.

Club career

MŠK Žilina

Škriniar began his career in the youth structures of Žiar nad Hronom before joining the youth setup of Žilina at 12 years old.[3] He made his official Slovak Super Liga debut for the first team on 27 March 2012 aged 17 years and 49 days, in a match against ViOn Zlaté Moravce. On 23 November 2012, he scored his first goal in the Slovak Super Liga against ViOn during a 4–1 victory.[4]

Škriniar was sent on loan for half a season to ViOn Zlaté Moravce in February 2013 to gain more first-team experience.[5]

Sampdoria

On 29 January 2016, Sampdoria announced the signing of Milan Škriniar on a four-and-a-half-year contract.[6] He made his debut in a 2–1 home victory over Lazio in late April.[7] During the next season Škriniar played a key role for Marco Giampaolo's Blucerchiati, finishing the campaign as the youngest defender to have made at least 35 appearances in Serie A.[8]

Inter Milan

On 7 July 2017, Škriniar completed a transfer to fellow Serie A side Inter Milan signing a five-year contract.[9] The club paid a reported fee around €20 million and also included the striker Gianluca Caprari.[10] The transfer made Škriniar the most expensive Slovak player of all time.[11] He was presented four days later and received squad number 37, stating: "It's amazing to think that in 18 months I've gone from the Slovakian league to playing for a club like Inter."[12]

Škriniar made his competitive debut for the club on 20 August in the opening matchday of 2017–18 Serie A against Fiorentina as Inter won 3–0 at San Siro.[13] He scored his first Serie A goal later on 16 September against Crotone, the opener in the 82nd minute with a right-footed shot in an eventual 2–0 away win to keep Inter's winning streak.[14] His second of the campaign came in matchday 10 against his former side Sampdoria on 24 October, netting again the opener as Inter won 3–2.[15]

Škriniar was distinguished for his performances in the first part of the season, being one of the best players of the squad.[16] [17] He continued with his great performances even in the second part of the season, which proved clinical for the team, which returned to UEFA Champions League after six years.[18]

In the 2018–19 season, Škriniar made his debut in the UEFA Champions League on 18 September in the opening group stage match against Tottenham Hotspur, playing full-90 minutes in a 2–1 comeback win at San Siro.[19] On 2 November 2019, in a Serie A match against Bologna which ended in a 2–1 away win, Škriniar made his 100th appearance in all competitions for Inter, all of them as starter.[20] On 3 November 2021, Škriniar scored his first UEFA Champions League goal in a 3–1 away win against Sheriff Tiraspol.[21] In an interview with Slovak outlet Futbolsfz.sk on 29 January 2023, Škriniar confirmed that he had signed a pre-contract agreement with Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain.[22] Negotiations took place between Inter Milan and PSG to transfer Škriniar during the January transfer window, but they eventually broke down.[23] He was subsequently stripped of the captaincy by manager Simone Inzaghi.[24] In February, Škriniar suffered a lower back injury, which was later revealed to be a lumbar vertebra fracture.[25] He underwent surgery for the fracture in April, missing the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the Champions League.[26] In the 2023 UEFA Champions League final on 10 June, Škriniar was left on the bench as Inter was defeated 1–0 by Manchester City.[27]

On 30 June 2023, Inter Milan announced the departure of Škriniar as a free agent at the end of 2022–23 season, after six years with the club.[28]

Paris Saint-Germain

On 6 July 2023, Paris Saint-Germain officially confirmed that Škriniar had joined the club, signing a five-year contract until 30 June 2028.[29] He became the first Slovak to play for the club.[30] Škriniar made his debut in a 0–0 league draw against Lorient at the Parc des Princes on 12 August.[31]

On 7 November 2023, Škriniar scored his first goal for PSG in a 2–1 loss against AC Milan in the group stage of the Champions League.[32]

International career

Having represented various Slovak youth teams, Škriniar debuted for the senior squad in a friendly 3–1 victory over Georgia on 27 May 2016.[33] He was selected as part of the Slovakia squad for UEFA Euro 2016.[33]

After the international retirement of Ján Ďurica in November 2017, Škriniar took his place as a centre-back partner to Martin Škrtel in the national team, even directing Slovak defence in Škrtel's absences (for example, in a double fixture against Netherlands and Morocco despite his relatively young age, compared to veteran defenders Peter Pekarík and Tomáš Hubočan).[34]

On 27 March 2021, Škriniar scored his first international goal during a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification against Malta, ending in a 2–2 draw.[35] Following the international retirement of national team captain Marek Hamšík, Škriniar was appointed captain of the team in June 2022. National team coach Štefan Tarkovič highlighted Škriniar's leadership qualities during the announcement.[36]

Style of play

Škriniar has been described as a defender who is "a strong tackler who is quick to make clearances".[17] A natural centre-back, he can also be deployed as a defensive midfielder where he also produced outstanding performances with under-21 side.[37] His former youth manager said of him: He [Škriniar] has always been the leader on and off the pitch.[37] He has been described in the media as the successor to former Liverpool icon Martin Škrtel in Slovakia's defensive line.[38] He has also drawn praise from several Italian pundits for his positional sense, as well as his ability in the air, and in one on one situations.[39] French newspaper L'Équipe has highlighted Škriniar's high pass and long pass accuracy, his complexity and low injury proneness and imposing figure.[40]

Personal life

Škriniar has been in a relationship with model Barbora Hrončeková since 2014. Their daughter Charlotte was born in 2020. They married in July 2023.[41]

Career statistics

Club

[42]

Club!rowspan="2"
SeasonLeagueNational cupEuropeOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Žilina2011–12Slovak First Football League20100030
2012–13Slovak First Football League1013000131
2013–14Slovak First Football League151101[43] 0171
2014–15Slovak First Football League3263200358
2015–16Slovak First Football League1841180275
Total771293909515
Zlaté Moravce (loan)2012–13Slovak First Football League700070
Žilina B2014–15II. Liga1010
Sampdoria2015–16Serie A300030
2016–17Serie A35000350
Total38000380
Inter Milan2017–18Serie A38420404
2018–19Serie A350209[44] ||0||colspan="2"|—||46||0|-|2019–20|Serie A|32||0||3||0||7[45] ||0||colspan="2"|—||42||0|-|2020–21|Serie A|32||3||4||0||3||0||colspan="2"|—||39||3|-|2021–22|Serie A|35||3||4||0||8||1||1||0||48||4|-|2022–23|Serie A|21||0||1||0||8||0||1||0||31||0|-!colspan="2"|Total!193!!10!!16!!0!!35!!1!!2!!0!!246!!11|-|Paris Saint-Germain|2023–24|Ligue 1|24||0||1||0||6||1||1||0||32||1|-!colspan="3"|Career total!340!!22!!26!!3!!50!!2!!3!!0!!419!!27|}

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
Slovakia201670
201770
201890
201980
202050
2021143
202280
202380
202460
Total723

Slovakia score listed first, score column indicates score after each Škriniar goal.

List of international goals scored by Milan Škriniar! No. !! Date !! Venue !! Cap !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition
align=center 1 27 March 2021 align=center 38 align=center 2–2 align=center 2–2 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
align=center 2 30 March 2021 Štadión Antona Malatinského, Trnava, Slovakia align=center 39 align=center 1–0 align=center 2–1 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
align=center 3 14 June 2021 align=center 41 align=center 2–1 align=center 2–1

Honours

Žilina

2011–12

2011–12

Inter Milan

2020–21[46]

2021–22, 2022–23[47]

2021, 2022[48]

Paris Saint-Germain

2023–24[51]

2023–24[52]

2023[53]

Slovakia

2018[54] [55]

Individual

2019, 2020, 2021,[57] 2022[58]

External links

]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: UEFA Europa League 2019/2020: Booking List before Round of 32, 1st leg . UEFA . 11 . 12 February 2020 . 21 August 2021.
  2. Web site: Milan Škriniar . 11 February 1995 . Paris Saint-Germain F.C. . 23 September 2023.
  3. News: Jaroslav. Maliňák. Milan Škriniar: Je na nás ako sa chopíme šance. dead. 14 February 2012. Talenty Info. sk. https://web.archive.org/web/20130511052618/http://www.talenty-info.sk/index.php/futbal/231-milan-kriniar-je-na-nas-ako-sa-chopime-ance. 11 May 2013.
  4. Web site: Žilina vs. Zlaté Moravce 4-1. Soccerway. 23 November 2012.
  5. News: Škriniar na hosťovanie do Zlatých Moraviec. dead. My Žilina. 22 February 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20201205122320/https://myzilina.sme.sk/c/6711379/skriniar-na-hostovanie-do-zlatych-moraviec.html. 5 December 2020.
  6. News: Sampdoria je dôležitým krokom v mojej kariére, hovorí Škriniar. Sme. 30 January 2016. sk.
  7. Web site: Sampdoria vs. Lazio 2 – 1. Soccerway. 24 April 2016. 24 April 2016.
  8. News: Ben. Gladwell. Inter seal Skriniar signing from Sampdoria . ESPN. 7 July 2017. 30 May 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230530203530/https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/37526257/inter-milan-secure-signing-defender-milan-skriniar-sampdoria. 30 May 2023.
  9. News: Škriniar joins Inter. Inter Milan. 7 July 2017. 7 July 2017.
  10. News: Joe. Wright. Inter complete €20m signing of Sampdoria star Skriniar. Goal.com. 7 July 2017. 7 July 2017.
  11. News: Rhod. Cannon. Inter Milan's Milan Skriniar reveals 'breathtaking' January offer amid Manchester United interest. International Business Times. 14 February 2018. 14 February 2018.
  12. News: Škriniar: "Amazing to Join Inter". Inter Milan. 11 July 2017. 11 July 2017.
  13. News: Inter 3-0 Fiorentina. Inter Milan. 20 August 2017. 20 August 2017.
  14. Web site: Daniela. Matar. Inter Milan leaves it late to beat Crotone and stay perfect. dead. AP News. 16 September 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20230126224747/https://apnews.com/article/0938dfcaa206483c90f59152b92d2b3c. 26 January 2023.
  15. Web site: The Nerazzurri march on: Inter 3-2 Sampdoria. dead. Inter Milan. 24 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171026192458/https://www.inter.it/en/news/60165/the-nerazzurri-march-on-inter-3-2-sampdoria . 26 October 2017.
  16. News: Adam. Digby. Is Milan Skriniar Ready for One of Europe's Elite Clubs?. Bleacher Report. 23 December 2017. 23 December 2017.
  17. News: Slovak footballer Škriniar named one of the best players of the season. The Slovak Spectator. 3 January 2018. 3 January 2018.
  18. Stunning Inter Comeback Breaks Lazio Hearts and Seals Champions League Qualification. Sports Illustrated. 20 May 2018. 23 May 2018.
  19. Web site: Match Review, Inter 2-1 Tottenham: Vecino is there!. Inter Milan. 19 September 2018. 10 November 2019.
  20. Web site: A special milestone for Skriniar: 100 Nerazzurri appearances, all as a starter. Inter Milan. 2 November 2019. 10 November 2019.
  21. Web site: Škriniar prispel gólom k dôležitému víťazstvu Interu. Tešil sa aj Real Madrid. Aktuality.sk. 3 November 2021. 4 November 2021. sk.
  22. News: Skriniar confirms PSG move: Yes, it's true, I've already signed. Marca. 29 January 2023. 8 June 2023.
  23. News: Report: Reasons Why Inter Milan Kept Milan Skriniar, Didn't Sell to PSG. PSG Talk. 1 February 2023. 8 June 2023.
  24. Web site: Future PSG player Milan Škriniar stripped of Inter captaincy - Get French Football News. Get French Football News. 4 February 2023. 8 June 2023.
  25. Web site: Skriniar Undergoes Back Surgey . Serpents of Madonnina. 24 April 2023. 8 June 2023.
  26. News: Peter. Rutzler. Skriniar has surgery ahead of Champions League Milan derby. The Athletic. 20 April 2023. 8 June 2023.
  27. News: Fremont. Farkas. Milan Skriniar Confirms PSG Transfer After Champions League Loss. ClutchPoints. 14 June 2023. 15 June 2023.
  28. Web site: Skriniar leaves Inter after six season. dead. 30 June 2023. Inter Milan. https://web.archive.org/web/20230630111703/https://www.inter.it/en/news/milan-skriniar-leaves-inter. 30 June 2023.
  29. Web site: Milan Škriniar is Parisian!. Paris Saint-Germain. 6 July 2023. 6 July 2023.
  30. Web site: Milan Škriniar: "Paris, one of the best teams in the world" . Paris Saint-Germain. 6 July 2023.
  31. Web site: Paris Saint-Germain V Lorient . Paris Saint-Germain. 12 August 2023.
  32. News: Milan come from behind to beat PSG 2-1 and earn first Group F win. 7 November 2023. 8 November 2023.
  33. Web site: Slovakia include Škriniar in Euro 2016 squad. dead. EuroSport. 30 May 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160603064500/https://www.eurosport.com/football/euro-2016/2016/slovakia-include-skriniar-in-euro-2016-squad_sto5627960/story.shtml. 3 June 2016.
  34. Web site: Slováci hostia Holandsko prvý raz. Udržia trnavskú latku?. Pravda. 31 May 2018. 2 June 2022. sk.
  35. News: Milan Škriniar po blamáži s Maltou: Musím zobrať zodpovednosť do vlastných rúk. Aktuality.sk. 28 March 2021. 14 August 2024. sk.
  36. Web site: Máme nového kapitána. Tréner Tarkovič oznámil meno nástupcu Mareka Hamšíka. Aktuality.sk. 2 June 2022. sk.
  37. News: Skriniar Can Be The Next Central Defensive Superstar. Football Whispers. 28 January 2018.
  38. News: Skriniar the more elegant heir to Skrtel's throne in Slovakia defence. ESPN FC. 4 September 2017. 29 April 2018.
  39. Web site: Pagelle Inter-Lazio: ecco i top&flop. Corriere dello Sport. 1 February 2019. 27 May 2019. it.
  40. Web site: Pavol. Spál. Prestup storočia je blízko. Koľko miliónov môže zarobiť Žilina?. Sme. 27 June 2022. 6 July 2022. sk.
  41. Web site: Eva. Vargová. Žijú si, aj oslavujú ako v rozprávke! Náš hviezdny futbalista svojim dievčatám dopraje. Aktuality.sk. 21 October 2023. sk.
  42. Web site: M. Škriniar. Soccerway. 12 March 2018.
  43. Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League
  44. Six appearances in UEFA Champions League, three appearances in UEFA Europa League
  45. Six appearances in UEFA Champions League, one appearance in UEFA Europa League
  46. Web site: Inter end Juventus' Serie A dominance with first title in 11 years. ESPN. 2 May 2021. 2 May 2021.
  47. Web site: Alasdair. Mackenzie. Fiorentina 1-2 Inter Milan - Lautaro Martinez scores double as the Nerazzurri defend Coppa Italia. Eurosport. 24 May 2023.
  48. Web site: AC Milan 0-3 Inter Milan: Simone Inzaghi's side ease to Supercoppa win over rivals to defend title. Eurosport. 18 January 2023.
  49. Web site: Sevilla 3–2 Inter Milan. BBC Sport. 21 August 2020.
  50. Web site: Phil. McNulty. Man City beat Inter Milan 1–0 in Champions League final to claim Treble. BBC Sport. 10 June 2023.
  51. Web site: 28 April 2024 . Paris Saint-Germain win their 12th Ligue 1 title! . 28 April 2024 . Paris Saint-Germain F.C..
  52. Web site: 25 May 2024 . PSG beat Lyon 2-1 to win French Cup final in Mbappe's farewell appearance . 25 May 2024 . Reuters.
  53. Web site: Paris start 2024 with Trophée des Champions triumph!. Paris Saint-Germain. 3 January 2024.
  54. Web site: Thailand vs. Slovakia - Football Match Line-ups. espn.co.uk. 25 March 2018. 30 March 2020.
  55. News: Slovakia beat Thailand 3-2, win King's Cup. Bangkok Post. Bangkok Post Public Company. 25 March 2018. 30 March 2020.
  56. Web site: The official Under-21 Team of the Tournament. UEFA. July 2017.
  57. Web site: Futbalista roka 2019: Výsledky sú známe! Kto je najlepší hráč či tréner?. Footballer of the Year 2019: Results are known! Who is the best player or coach. profutbal.sk. Fun Media Group. 23 March 2019. 30 March 2020. sk.
  58. Web site: Video Jeho nadvláda pokračuje: Milan Škriniar štvrtýkrát po sebe ovládol anketu Futbalista roka!. 20 March 2023 .