One 2 Watch – Richairo Zivkovic

Football Videos | Article posted on January 14th, 2025

January 14th, 2025by Sam Mills

17 | Striker | Groningen | DutchTall, quick and sought after, Richairo Zivkovic is hot property. Complex in complexion, Zivkovic was born in the Netherlands, to a Serbian mother (hence the surname) and a Curacaoan father. The 17-year-old already has records to his name, explicitly the honour of being the youngest representative of Groningen to hit the back of the net in Holland's top flight.
Flattering comparisons litter the internet, most often balding Champions League winner Arjen Robben; however, the similarity between the Dutchmen ends at their club of origin and nationality. Regardless of unimaginative media associations, the forward has almost immeasurable potential: composed, athletic and technically gifted, Zivkovic has the scouting world at his proverbial feet.
Yet, to quote a certain Winston Churchill, "Continuous effort – not strength or intelligence – is the key to unlocking our potential." Too often prospects become peripheral, read: Freddy Adu; Zivkovic may become a product of heightened expectation and unfounded transfer rumours. Early indications regarding the mental aptness of the rangy striker are inconclusive. Mature tendencies have been exhibited through the medium of Twitter, such as the sharing of philosophical mottos and motivational sentiments.
Conversely, by the same token, Zivkovic has reminded us of his callowness. In the midst of developing speculation and reports, the poacher has informed his two-thousand-odd followers that his "holiday is booked!" before adding, "On the way to Crete on 22 May / 30 may", befitting the widely held stereo-type of today's teen. He also challenged the Green-White Army for a FIFA tournament last week: a significant reminder of just how juvenile the wanted Zivkovic is.
In his Sunday League prime, Zivkovic was outstanding, metaphorically and literally. His technical ability was unrivalled, while his puberty-fuelled height and strength dwarfed his opponents as he proceeded to bulge the net game after game. His raw talent had echoes of an exuberant Fernando Torres, with an instinctive selfishness sourced at an irrepressible desire to score. It is, therefore, unsurprising that the Pride of the North pounced on the opportunity to sign the physically established 11-year-old.
Fast forward half a dozen years: five goals in five starts.
The statistics flatter somewhat, Richairo Zivkovic has been impressive, if unspectacular, in the first half of his debut season. Nonetheless, if you may allow this statistical indulgence, the fact remains, seven out of ten shots Zivkovic hits work the 'keeper. Four chances have been created in only five starts. One in three aerial duels is successful. The promise is evident, few adolescents could be thrown into top flight football and emerge in a positive light.
On the other hand, Zivkovic has many shortcomings, particularly his selfish traits. Granted, a degree of egocentricity is quintessential for any frontman, but the Assen-born forward

Help Keep These Tips & Guides Free Help Keep These Tips & Guides Free

Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)