Former Liverpool and Shakhtar Donetsk winger Milan Jovanovic has suggested that injury to Inter striker Edin Dzeko cost Bosnia a place in the playoffs for the 2022 World Cup.
Dzeko was ruled out of Bosnia’s final qualification matches last week through a muscle strain, as his national teammates fell to a 3-1 defeat to Finland and a 1-1 draw against Ukraine to come fourth in Group D.
In an interview with FCInterNews.it, the former Serbia international felt that Dzeko was up there with AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the best player to have come from the Balkans and that his absence had made a significant difference to Bosnia’s chances.
“If Dzeko had played, Bosnia would have reached the playoffs and perhaps also made it to Qatar,” Jovanovic argued.
“Dzeko is a miracle of a player, a striker who does not have many equals in the world. I dare to say that, together with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, he could be the best in the Balkans. I really like his style of play, he is excellent in every sense.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina have always had talented players, I’m sure they will have a good national team again,” he concluded.
Dzeko is a new signing at Inter, having joined from Serie A rivals Roma this summer. The former Manchester City striker has enjoyed a bright start with the Nerazzurri, having netted eight goals in 16 appearances this season.
