One member of Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland squad heads out on international duty with a new manager to impress.
Not only that, one of the most iconic, decorated footballers in his country’s history.
Sunderland youngster Milan Aleksic has featured only once for Serbia at Under 21 level.
His tally of caps should have been trebled by the time the month is out, however, with the recently-appointed Aleksandar Kolarov including the Black Cats’ £3 million summer signing in his first-ever squad as one of the maiden acts of his coaching career.
Kolarov, a two-time Premier League champion at Manchester City and 2011 Serbian Footballer of the Year, now finds himself tasked with laying the foundations for his nation’s future success on the international stage.
And Aleksic – Sunderland snapped up the 19-year-old from FK Radnicki at the end of August – is likely to be one of those tasked with leading the way in the next generation.
Sunderland starlet Milan Aleksic excited by Serbia’s Aleksandar Kolarov appointment
After marking his Under 21 debut with the winning goal as Serbia defeated Ukraine in October, Aleksic feels that former Roma, Lazio and Inter Milan left-back Kolarov is already making a positive impact during his first few days at the helm.
Oh the lessons Serbia’s youngsters could learn from a man who has seen it all and achieved more than most.
“I like the energy at the very start. The mood among the teammates is at the highest level, as well as the camaraderie,” Aleksic tells Una. “We mostly know each other well, [because] we have played together.
“I think it’s good that we will have a lot of time to get ready for future competitions, because we have enough time to work. We are here to work and comply with all the requests of the selectors and the staff.”
There is, perhaps, no Sunderland player who would have welcomed the November international break quite as keenly as Milan Aleksic.
Teenager Aleksic is still awaiting his senior Sunderland debut, after all. Le Bris left him on the bench for an 11th straight Championship fixture as Sunderland threw away a 2-0 lead against Coventry City on Saturday, with the Frenchman explaining why opportunities are yet to come Aleksic’s way.
Regis Le Bris insists Sunderland will give chances to Aleksic
“It is still the beginning for him,” Le Bris told the media a fortnight ago. “The language is still a problem for him, although of course the main language is football.
“His development is still in progress, although his individual skills are very interesting. He is quick, he has good technique and he can shoot from a long distance. That is exciting.
“Now, the question is one of culture and how he can connect with the other players in different phases. We are working on it. He still needs time, but I am sure he will have some opportunities to get on the pitch for us soon.”
Aleksic is one of many Sunderland players in line to represent their country over the coming days. Trai Hume earned plenty of praise after shining for the Northern Ireland last time out, while Dan Ballard and Welsh stalwart Chris Mepham should add to their tally of caps.