22 Feb 2007(Thu)

February 20, 2007: JEF United fans must have greeted news of their new signing with a mixture of anticipation and relief.

Anticipation because World Cup defender Nenad Djordjevic looks a mighty fine signing -- and relief because the new league season is less than two weeks away.

The 27-year-old Serb is listed as "DF" in the club's official announcement, but maybe that should have read "VVDF" -- very versatile defender, as Djordjevic can play either in the centre of defence or at full back. He also has experience of playing in the holding role in central midfield ("volante" as you say here), which makes him almost like a Serbian Abe: comfortable and competent in a number of roles -- and a bit taller, too, at 1.83 metres.

Just like Abe strengthened Reds in defence and midfield, Djordjevic looks like doing the same for JEF, and that can only increase the competition among the Japanese players.

After appearing a little lightweight a few weeks ago, the JEF squad is now looking much more business-like, and manager Osim will have numerous permutations at the back, built around Stoyanov, and in central midfield.

I have written before about Stoyanov's ability -- surely the most complete player in the J.League when he is fully focused -- and also about his suspect temperament, as he is the kind of guy who could start an argument in a telephone box.

But if Djordjevic and Stoyanov hit it off at the back, accompanied by the emerging Mizumoto or the wily Saito, then teams could find it hard to break through.

Djordjevic, I am sure, will increase the team's power considerably. The Serbs, as the former Yugoslavia, have the reputation of being the Brazilians of Europe in terms of natural talent, creativity and improvisation. Think Dragan Stojkovic, for example. They can all play, but, at the same time, they can all self-destruct -- as I am sure the Bulgarian at Fukuare will tell you.

Anyway, it looks like a long wait for JEF fans has been well worth it. Djordjevic will be quality -- and he cannot be blamed for any of Argentina's six goals against Serbia-Montenegro in Germany because he was on the bench!

ends