Overview
Danko Lazović is a name associated with prolific goalscoring and a journeyman career that saw him ply his trade across several European football leagues. Born in Kragujevac, Serbia, on May 17, 1983, Lazović established himself primarily as a forward. His career trajectory took him from his native Serbia to prominent clubs in the Netherlands, Russia, and China, showcasing an adaptable playing style and a knack for finding the back of the net. Standing at 1.85 meters, Lazović possessed a physical presence combined with technical ability that made him a challenging opponent for defenders.
Position
Throughout his career, Lazović predominantly played as a forward. While capable of leading the line as a central striker, he often operated as a second striker or a wide forward, particularly on the right flank. His versatility allowed coaches to deploy him in various attacking roles, exploiting his goalscoring instincts and ability to link up play. This positional flexibility was a hallmark of his game, enabling him to contribute goals and assists from different areas of the final third.
Identity
Lazović's headline identity can be summarized as a 'versatile, experienced goal-getter'. He consistently demonstrated an ability to adapt to different leagues and tactical systems, maintaining his goalscoring threat. His experience at clubs like PSV Eindhoven, Zenit Saint Petersburg, and Partizan Belgrade underscored his capacity to perform at high levels, contributing significantly to title challenges and European competitions. His career was marked by a consistent output of goals, making him a reliable attacking option wherever he played.
Career path
Danko Lazović's professional career began in 1999, blossoming from the youth ranks of Partizan Belgrade, where he would later make a significant impact. His journey took him through multiple clubs and countries, reflecting a career defined by diverse experiences and contributions.
Partizan Belgrade (1999–2003, 2006–2007, 2014–2015)
Lazović began his senior career at Partizan Belgrade, making his debut in 1999. He quickly established himself as a promising talent, eventually securing a move abroad. He returned for two more spells, notably during the 2006–2007 season and again from 2014 to 2015. His time at Partizan was marked by significant goal contributions and multiple domestic titles, solidifying his status as a fan favorite. According to Transfermarkt, his initial transfer from Partizan to Feyenoord occurred in 2003 for a fee of €7 million.
Feyenoord & Vitesse (2003–2006)
In 2003, Lazović moved to Dutch giants Feyenoord, seeking to make his mark in one of Europe's top leagues. While his time at Feyenoord had its moments, he found more consistent form during a loan spell at Vitesse during the 2005–2006 season. His performances at Vitesse led to a permanent move there in 2006 before his return to Partizan later that year.
PSV Eindhoven (2007–2010)
A pivotal period in Lazović's career came with his transfer to PSV Eindhoven in 2007. Here, he truly flourished, becoming a key attacking figure and helping the club secure the Eredivisie title. His goalscoring prowess and creative contributions were instrumental during his three seasons at the club. Transfermarkt records his transfer to PSV from Partizan in 2007 for €5 million.
Zenit Saint Petersburg (2010–2014)
In 2010, Lazović moved to Russian Premier League side Zenit Saint Petersburg. This move saw him compete in a more physically demanding league and participate in UEFA Champions League and Europa League campaigns. He contributed to Zenit's domestic success, adding Russian Premier League titles to his growing list of honors. He also had a loan spell at Rostov in 2013 during his Zenit tenure.
Later Career (2014–2018)
Following his time in Russia, Lazović returned to Partizan for a season (2014–2015). He then ventured to China with Beijing Enterprises Group and later played for Olimpija Ljubljana in Slovenia and Videoton FC (now Fehérvár FC) in Hungary, where he ultimately concluded his professional career in 2018. These later moves provided further opportunities for him to contribute his experience and goalscoring ability to different leagues.
Playing style
Danko Lazović's playing style was characterized by a blend of technical skill, tactical intelligence, and a strong work ethic. As a forward, he was not solely a poacher but also a player who could contribute significantly to build-up play and create chances for others. His attributes allowed him to adapt to various attacking systems, whether as a lone striker, part of a strike partnership, or an inverted winger.
Technical Attributes
- Finishing: Lazović possessed a keen eye for goal, capable of scoring with both feet and his head. His finishing was often clinical, demonstrating composure in front of goal even under pressure. He could convert chances from various angles and distances, making him a constant threat in the penalty area.
- Dribbling & Ball Control: Despite his height and physical build, Lazović exhibited good close control and dribbling ability. He was capable of holding up the ball and turning defenders, creating space for himself or for teammates making runs. This allowed him to operate effectively in tight spaces and retain possession under pressure.
- Passing & Link-up Play: Beyond his goalscoring, Lazović was adept at linking up with midfielders and wingers. His passing range and decision-making in the final third were commendable, often laying off passes or delivering through balls to set up attacking opportunities. This made him valuable in systems that emphasized fluid attacking movements.
Physicality & Work Rate
Lazović's 1.85m frame provided him with a physical edge, making him effective in aerial duels and holding off defenders. He used his body well to shield the ball and create space, particularly when playing with his back to goal. Furthermore, he was known for his significant work rate, often tracking back and contributing defensively when required, particularly in wider forward roles. This commitment to the defensive side of the game provided an added dimension to his overall contribution.
Comparison
In terms of his versatility and goal-scoring aptitude from various attacking positions, Lazović shares some stylistic traits with players like Dirk Kuyt during his prime at Liverpool, particularly in his ability to combine work rate with goal threat. While not a direct comparison, both players demonstrated a similar capacity to be effective across the front line and contribute defensively, making them invaluable to their respective teams.
Achievements & honours
Danko Lazović enjoyed a career rich in silverware, securing numerous domestic titles across Serbia, the Netherlands, and Russia. His contributions were instrumental in several championship-winning campaigns for prominent clubs.
Club Honours
| Competition | Club | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| First League of FR Yugoslavia | Partizan Belgrade | 2001–02, 2002–03 |
| Serbian SuperLiga | Partizan Belgrade | 2007–08, 2014–15 |
| Eredivisie | PSV Eindhoven | 2007–08 |
| Russian Premier League | Zenit Saint Petersburg | 2010, 2011–12 |
| Russian Cup | Zenit Saint Petersburg | 2009–10 |
| Russian Super Cup | Zenit Saint Petersburg | 2011 |
| Slovenian PrvaLiga | Olimpija Ljubljana | 2015–16 |
| Nemzeti Bajnokság I | Videoton FC | 2017–18 |
Individual Accolades
While specific individual awards are less widely documented compared to his team successes, Lazović was consistently among the top goalscorers in the leagues he played in. His performances for clubs like Partizan and PSV earned him significant recognition from fans and pundits alike, often being highlighted for his crucial goals in title-deciding matches.
International career
Danko Lazović represented his national team, Serbia, at the senior level, accumulating a respectable number of caps and contributing to various qualification campaigns and major tournaments. His international career spanned over a decade, seeing him play under different national team managers and alongside several generations of Serbian talent.
Lazović made his debut for the senior national team of Serbia and Montenegro (and later Serbia) in 2002. He went on to earn 47 caps for his country, scoring 11 goals during his international tenure. His goals often came in crucial moments, demonstrating his ability to perform on the international stage.
Major Tournaments
One of the highlights of his international career was his participation in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Lazović was part of the Serbian squad that qualified for the tournament, a significant achievement for the nation. While Serbia's campaign in South Africa did not progress beyond the group stage, Lazović featured in matches, contributing his experience and attacking prowess to the team's efforts.
He was a consistent presence in Serbia's squads for qualifying campaigns for both the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship. His role for the national team evolved over time, from a promising young forward to an experienced attacking option, providing leadership and a reliable goal threat.
What makes Danko Lazović stand out
Danko Lazović stood out not just for his goalscoring, but for his remarkable adaptability and resilience across diverse footballing cultures. His ability to perform consistently in the fast-paced Dutch Eredivisie, the physically demanding Russian Premier League, and his native Serbian SuperLiga underscores a unique professional flexibility. He wasn't simply a striker; he was an intelligent attacker who understood tactical nuances, allowing him to thrive in various systems. This made him a valuable asset to every team he joined, often becoming a key player in championship-winning squads.
Another distinguishing trait was his knack for scoring important goals. Whether it was a crucial equalizer or a winning strike, Lazović often delivered when it mattered most, solidifying his reputation as a big-game player. His experience in major tournaments and European competitions further highlights his composure under pressure, consistently influencing results. His career trajectory, moving between top leagues and returning to his roots, also showcases a deep connection to the game and a continuous drive to compete at the highest level.
"Lazović was a player who could find the net in any league. His intelligence and versatility made him a coach's dream for the attack."