Uroš Đurđević Explained

Uroš Đurđević
Birth Date:2 March 1994
Birth Place:Belgrade, FR Yugoslavia
Height:1.81 m
Position:Striker
Currentclub:Atlas
Clubnumber:9
Youthyears1:1999–2005
Youthclubs1:Obrenovac 1905
Youthclubs2:Red Star Belgrade
Youthclubs3:OFK Beograd
Youthyears4:2008–2011
Youthclubs4:Rad
Years1:2011–2013
Clubs1:Rad
Caps1:41
Goals1:11
Years2:2014–2015
Clubs2:Vitesse
Caps2:25
Goals2:1
Years3:2015–2016
Clubs3:Palermo
Caps3:14
Goals3:2
Years4:2016–2017
Clubs4:Partizan
Caps4:34
Goals4:27
Years5:2017–2018
Clubs5:Olympiacos
Caps5:19
Goals5:4
Years6:2018–2024
Clubs6:Sporting Gijón
Caps6:219
Goals6:62
Years7:2024–
Clubs7:Atlas
Caps7:0
Goals7:0
Nationalyears1:2012–2013
Nationalteam1:Serbia U19
Nationalcaps1:14
Nationalgoals1:3
Nationalyears2:2013–2017
Nationalteam2:Serbia U21
Nationalcaps2:30
Nationalgoals2:16
Nationalyears3:2021–
Nationalteam3:Montenegro
Nationalcaps3:12
Nationalgoals3:0
Club-Update:6 June 2024
Nationalteam-Update:11 September 2023

Uroš Đurđević (pronounced as /ǔroʃ dʑûrdʑeʋitɕ/; born 2 March 1994) is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for Mexican club Atlas FC. Born in Serbia, he plays for the Montenegro national team.

Club career

Early years

Đurđević made his first football steps at Obrenovac 1905, before joining the youth system of Red Star Belgrade. He also briefly played for OFK Beograd, before joining the youth setup of Rad.

Rad

Đurđević made his senior debut for Rad on 28 August 2011, under manager Slavko Petrović, coming on as a substitute for Luka Milivojević in a 1–2 home league loss to Sloboda Užice. He appeared in a total of seven league games in his debut season, exclusively as a substitute. On 17 November 2012, Đurđević scored his first ever senior goal for Rad, giving his team a 1–0 home league win over Hajduk Kula. He netted a total of nine league goals in the 2012–13 campaign, led by Marko Nikolić, helping his team finish middle of the table. Despite numerous speculation during the 2013 summer transfer window, Đurđević eventually stayed with the Građevinari until the end of the year.[1]

Vitesse

In January 2014, Đurđević joined Dutch club Vitesse and was given the number 9 shirt.[2] He made his Eredivisie debut on 7 February 2014, entering the match as an 88th-minute substitute for Lucas Piazon in a 0–0 home draw with ADO Den Haag. Until the end of the 2013–14 Eredivisie, Đurđević made five more appearances, coming on as a substitute in all five games, but failed to score any goals.

On 30 July 2014, Đurđević scored the last goal in a 1–3 friendly loss to Chelsea.[3] He was still struggling to earn a first team spot in the 2014–15 campaign, despite scoring regularly for the reserves. On 1 February 2015, two minutes after replacing Bertrand Traoré, Đurđević scored the only goal in the 85th minute to give Vitesse a 1–0 win over Ajax.[4] [5] The goal was compared to Dennis Bergkamp's one against Newcastle United from 2002.[6]

After featuring in two games early into the 2015–16 season, Đurđević terminated his contract with Vitesse by mutual agreement on 14 August 2015.[7]

Palermo

On 18 August 2015, Đurđević was signed by Italian club Palermo.[8] He marked his Serie A debut by scoring an 88th-minute equalizer after coming off the bench in a 2–2 home draw with Carpi on 13 September 2015.[9] Unfortunately, in his second appearance for the Rosanero, Đurđević fractured his ankle in a game against Milan at San Siro on 19 September 2015.[10] He returned to action on 12 December 2015, being substituted at half-time by Alberto Gilardino, in an eventual 4–1 win over Frosinone at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.[11] On 7 February 2016, Đurđević scored his second goal in Serie A, netting the equalizer in a 2–2 draw against Sassuolo.[12] He collected a total of 14 league appearances and scored two times in the 2015–16 campaign.

Partizan

2016–17 season

On 22 August 2016, Đurđević returned to his homeland and signed with Partizan, on a three-year deal.[13] He made his debut for the club on 27 August, coming on as a second-half substitute for Valeri Bojinov in a 4–0 home win over his former club Rad.[14] On 21 September, Đurđević scored his first two goals for Partizan in a 3–1 Serbian Cup win over Napredak Kruševac.[15] He scored his first goal in the league on 2 October in a 3–1 home win over Mladost Lučani.[16] On 11 December, Đurđević netted a hat-trick to lead Partizan to a 3–1 win away at Čukarički.[17] He opened the scoring after just 10 seconds into the match, setting the record for the fastest ever goal in the top flight of Serbian football.[18] On 4 March 2017, Đurđević scored his first goal in the Belgrade derby, heading in Miroslav Vulićević's cross in the 88th minute of a 1–1 away draw.[19] He found the back of the net seven times in the next six fixtures, eventually finishing the campaign as the league's top scorer with 24 goals, as well as his teammate Leonardo, helping Partizan win the title.[20] His performances also earned him the league's Player of the Season award and selection in the competition's Team of the Season.[21] In the second part of the season, Đurđević also scored two more goals in the Serbian Cup, as the club collected the double.

2017–18 season

On 11 July 2017, Đurđević scored his first goal in UEFA competitions, converting a penalty kick in a 2–0 home win over Budućnost Podgorica in the first leg of the Champions League second qualifying round.[22] He subsequently netted once in the league's opener versus Mačva Šabac on 22 July, an eventual 6–1 home victory.[23] On 2 August, Đurđević scored an 85th-minute equalizer to give his team a 2–2 draw against Olympiacos in the return leg of the Champions League third qualifying round, as Partizan were eliminated 3–5 on aggregate.[24] He eventually helped the side reach the group stage of the Europa League after scoring a brace in a 4–0 victory away at Videoton in the competition's play-off round second leg.

Olympiacos

On 30 August 2017, Đurđević was transferred to Greek club Olympiacos for €2.5 million plus 15% from future transfer fee.[25] [26] He made his league debut for the side in a 1–1 away draw against Xanthi on 9 September, being substituted for Emmanuel Emenike in the 60th minute. Three days later, Đurđević played 62 minutes on his Champions League debut, before being replaced by Emenike again in an eventual 3–2 home loss to Sporting CP. He scored his first goal for the club on 16 September, converting a penalty in second-half injury time versus Asteras Tripoli in a 1–1 home draw. Throughout the 2017–18 season with Olympiacos, Đurđević made 30 appearances in all competitions and scored seven goals in the process.

Sporting Gijón

On 21 August 2018, Đurđević moved to Spain and joined Segunda División side Sporting Gijón. He became the most expensive transfer in the club's history, for an estimated amount of €2.5 million.[27]

On 11 October 2020, after scoring three goals in the first three matches of the season, Đurđević was named Segunda División Player of the Month of September.[28]

International career

Youth

Initially, Đurđević represented Serbia at the 2012 UEFA Under-19 Championship, as the team exited the tournament at the group stage. He subsequently led them to the 2013 UEFA Under-19 Championship, scoring a brace against Slovakia in the elite qualifying round. At the final tournament, Đurđević was one of the team's most influential players,[29] scoring the opening goal in the semi-final against Portugal, as they progressed through to the final after penalties.[30] Serbia eventually won the title after defeating France 1–0 in the gold medal match.[31]

On 22 March 2013, Đurđević made his debut for Serbia at under-21 level in a 1–2 friendly loss away against the Netherlands U21s. He scored his first goal for the team on 14 August 2013, in a 4–1 home friendly win over the Macedonia under-21 side.[32] Afterwards, Đurđević was their regular member during the UEFA Under-21 Championship 2015 qualifying stage, as Serbia qualified to the final tournament. He ultimately declined a call-up by Mladen Dodić in order to better prepare for the next season.[33]

In the UEFA Under-21 Championship 2017 qualifying stage, Đurđević was the team's top scorer with nine goals, while captaining the side on most occasions. He netted a hat-trick in a 3–1 home win over Slovenia in the final group match. In addition, Đurđević scored once in the first leg of the play-off round versus Norway,[34] as Serbia ultimately secured a spot in the final tournament. He was named in the final 23-man squad by newly appointed manager Nenad Lalatović in May 2017.[35] In the second match of the group stage, Đurđević scored a header late to earn a 2–2 draw with Macedonia.[36] He concluded his youth national team career on 23 June 2017, receiving a red card during the first half of Serbia's game against Spain.[37]

Senior

On 9 March 2017, Đurđević received his first call-up to the full squad by manager Slavoljub Muslin for Serbia's World Cup 2018 qualifier against Georgia.[38] He was an unused substitute in an eventual 3–1 success.

In 2021, he became a citizen of Montenegro and accepted an invitation to the Montenegro national football team.[39] His father was born in Titograd (now Podgorica, Montenegro), which was a condition cited for him becoming a Montenegrin citizen.[40] He made his debut on 24 March 2021 in a World Cup qualifier against Latvia.[41]

Personal life

His younger brother, Kristijan (b. 1996), is also a footballer.[42]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueCupContinentalTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Rad2011–12Serbian SuperLiga70000070
2012–1323920259
2013–1411210122
Total411130004411
Vitesse2013–14Eredivisie60000060
2014–1518110191
2015–1610001020
Total2511010271
Palermo2015–16Serie A14200142
Partizan2016–17Serbian SuperLiga292454003428
2017–18530064117
Total342754644535
Olympiacos2017–18Super League Greece1946350307
Sporting Gijón2018–19Segunda División3811214012
2019–2037600376
2020–213922204122
2021–223614323916
2022–2332531356
2023–2438420404
Total219621240023166
Career total3461052711124385120

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Serbia U21201372
201463
201532
2016108
201741
Montenegro202170
202230
202320
Total4216

Honours

Partizan

Serbia

Individual

Records

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Uroš Đurđević: Nisam loš momak . sr . b92.net . 18 September 2013 . 8 September 2016.
  2. Web site: UROS DJURDJEVIC SPEELGERECHTIGD VOOR VITESSE . nl . vitesse.nl . 20 January 2014 . 8 September 2016.
  3. Web site: Vitesse 1 Chelsea 3: Cesc Fabregas scores his first goal for Chelsea in pre-season friendly win in Arnhem . telegraph.co.uk . 30 July 2014 . 9 March 2017.
  4. Web site: Ajax sees title hopes dented by Vitesse . foxnews.com . 1 February 2015 . 9 March 2017.
  5. Web site: Vitesse beat Ajax late with the best goal of the weekend . sbnation.com . 1 February 2015 . 9 March 2017.
  6. Web site: The new Dennis Bergkamp? Vitesse youngster scores Bergkamp-esque wonder goal . mirror.co.uk . 2 February 2015 . 9 March 2017.
  7. Web site: DJURDJEVIC VERLAAT VITESSE . nl . vitesse.nl . 14 August 2015 . 8 September 2016.
  8. Web site: Palermo, scommessa serba: è ufficiale l'U21 Djurdjevic . it . gazzetta.it . 18 August 2015 . 19 August 2015.
  9. Web site: Borriello e Djurdjevic, esordio e subito gol: si presentano così . it . gazzetta.it . 13 September 2015 . 8 September 2016.
  10. Web site: TEŽA POVREDA Đurđević polomio skočni zglob, predstoji mu duža pauza . sr . blic.rs . 21 September 2015 . 8 September 2016.
  11. Web site: Ballardini: Palermo Deserved To Win Against Frosinone . forzaitalianfootball.com . 12 December 2015 . 9 March 2017.
  12. Web site: Sassuolo 2-2 Palermo: Neroverdi And Rosanero Play Out Exciting Draw . forzaitalianfootball.com . 7 February 2016 . 9 March 2017.
  13. Web site: Uroš Đurđević nova Partizanova akvizicija . sr . partizan.rs . 22 August 2016 . 8 September 2016.
  14. Web site: ČETVORKA PARTIZANA Leonardo blistao, debi Đurđevića i dva isključenja . sr . blic.rs . 27 August 2016 . 8 September 2016.
  15. Web site: Partizan majstorijama Đurđevića i lukavim potezom Leonarda do osmine finala Kupa . sr . blic.rs . 21 September 2016 . 16 December 2016.
  16. Web site: "PARNI VALJAK" MELJE Majstorije Leonarda i Đurđevića za šesti trijumf Partizana u nizu /FOTO/ /VIDEO/ . sr . blic.rs . 2 October 2016 . 9 March 2017.
  17. Web site: CRNO-BELI JUNAK Partizan ima strašnog špica, Đurđević pocepao mrežu Čukaričkog /VIDEO/ . sr . blic.rs . 11 December 2016 . 9 March 2017.
  18. Web site: Uroš Đurđević rekorder! . sr . mondo.rs . 11 December 2016 . 9 March 2017.
  19. Web site: PRAVDA ZADOVOLJENA Zvezda vodila neregularnim golom, Đurđević odneo bod! . sr . blic.rs . 4 March 2017 . 9 March 2017.
  20. Web site: Đurđević: Gol karijere je dolazak u Partizan! . sr . mondo.rs . 21 May 2017 . 27 May 2017.
  21. Web site: SLS: Đurđević igrač sezone, Nikolić najbolji trener! . sr . rtvbn.com . 30 May 2017 . 15 June 2017.
  22. Web site: Tandem Đu-Le vodi Partizan ka trećem kolu! . sr . b92.net . 11 July 2017 . 12 July 2017.
  23. Web site: Partizan 'šesticom' najavio dolazak Olimpijakosa . sr . b92.net . 22 July 2017 . 3 August 2017.
  24. Web site: Partizan ispao, ali pokazao klasu u Pireju . sr . b92.net . 2 August 2017 . 3 August 2017.
  25. Web site: Djurdjevic signs for Olympiacos! . olympiacos.org . 30 August 2017 . 30 August 2017.
  26. Web site: Uros Djurdjevic moved to Olympiacos . partizan.rs . 30 August 2017 . 26 December 2018.
  27. Web site: El nuevo delantero del Sporting, Uros Djurdjevic, ya está en Asturias . es . elcomercio.es . 21 August 2018 . 21 August 2018.
  28. Web site: Djuka, Mejor Jugador de LaLiga SmartBank en septiembre. La Liga. 11 October 2020. es.
  29. Web site: Serbia's strength in depth delights Djurdjević . uefa.com . 28 July 2013 . 8 September 2016.
  30. Web site: Serbia see off Portugal in shoot-out . uefa.com . 29 July 2013 . 30 July 2013.
  31. Web site: Luković strike seals first Serbia triumph . uefa.com . 1 August 2013 . 8 September 2016.
  32. Web site: Pet golova u Gornjem Milanovcu, "orlići" preslišali Makedoniju . sr . blic.rs . 14 August 2013 . 8 September 2016.
  33. Web site: Dodić: Mitrović hteo povređen, Đurđević odbio . sr . b92.net . 29 May 2015 . 1 April 2017.
  34. Web site: Serbia seize lead as Norway go home empty-handed . uefa.com . 11 November 2016 . 27 May 2017.
  35. Web site: Lalatović objavio spisak za EP u Poljskoj . sr . b92.net . 22 May 2017 . 27 May 2017.
  36. Web site: Remi Srbije i Makedonije u Bidgošču . sr . rts.rs . 20 June 2017 . 24 June 2017.
  37. Web site: Poraz "orlića" za kraj Evropskog prvenstva . sr . rts.rs . 23 June 2017 . 24 June 2017.
  38. Web site: I Uroš Đurđević među "orlovima"! . sr . mondo.rs . 9 March 2017 . 9 March 2017.
  39. Web site: Đurđević: Želim da se dokažem u nacionalnom timu, očekujem da ćemo Jovetić i ja biti dobar tandem. 7 March 2021. vijesti.me. sr.
  40. News: Zašto je Đurđević rešio da igra za Crnu Goru?. B92. Serbian. 5 March 2021. 8 March 2021.
  41. Web site: FIFA. Latvia v Montenegro game report. https://web.archive.org/web/20210202083723/https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/europe/matches/match/400155711/. dead. 2 February 2021. 24 March 2021.
  42. Web site: FUDBALSKI ŠMEK Selebriti Dorćol, srpskoligaš koji je okupio zanimljiva imena u stručnom štabu i timu . sr . blic.rs . 4 June 2017 . 30 July 2017.