Milan Badelj Scout Report
Milan Badelj, the 35-year-old Croatian central midfielder for Genoa, continues to defy age with his disciplined and experienced playstyle. In the 2024-2025 Serie A season, he’s demonstrated exceptional prowess in winning aerial duels, topping his peers with a remarkable success rate which cements his role as a defensive stalwart. Badelj’s strengths lie in his ability to intercept plays and recover the ball, reflecting a robust understanding of the game and positioning, crucial for maintaining Genoa’s defensive solidity.
His style of play underscores precision in progressive passing, placing him among the elite in the league, which complements his midfield dominance. Although not directly involved in creating chances or retaining possession as much as some might expect, his passing acumen is noteworthy. However, his efficiency drops with ball retention, and his pass accuracy could be sharper, which perhaps curtails his impact in more advanced areas of play. Interestingly, his goal efficiency highlights a knack for contributing offensively, even if he’s not frequently in goal-threatening positions.
In terms of weaknesses, Badelj’s impact is diminished when carrying the ball forward, revealing a reliance on short passes and transitional play rather than individual dribbling feats. Moreover, his presence in the attacking third is limited, suggesting a more conservative, disciplined approach. Yet, his low foul count indicates a clean defender who’s tactically astute, seldom resorting to rash challenges. In essence, Badelj’s player stats portray him as an invaluable asset in defensive integrity and a calming pass conduit, with enough energy to occasionally support the attack, a clear asset in Genoa’s steadfast Serie A campaign.
