Overview
Darko Lazović, born on September 15, 1990, in Čačak, Serbia, is a professional footballer who primarily operates as a wide midfielder or winger. Standing at 1.81 meters, Lazović is right-footed and is recognized for his contributions on the flank, combining attacking impetus with defensive diligence. His career has seen him play an influential role for several clubs, notably during his tenure with Red Star Belgrade in his native Serbia and later with Genoa and Hellas Verona in Italy's Serie A.
Position
Lazović is a versatile midfielder capable of playing on either wing, though he is most frequently deployed on the right flank. His natural right foot allows him to deliver dangerous crosses from wide areas, and he possesses the ability to cut inside when playing on the left, creating shooting opportunities or quick combinations. He is often utilized in systems that require wing-backs to cover significant ground, leveraging his stamina and work rate.
Identity
His identity as a player is defined by his consistent output, particularly in terms of creating chances and providing assists. Lazović is a technically sound player with good dribbling skills and an eye for a pass, making him a key component in his team's attacking transitions. Beyond his offensive contributions, he is also known for his commitment to tracking back and assisting his defense, embodying the modern wide player's dual responsibility. He has been a consistent performer in top-tier European leagues for over a decade, showcasing adaptability and resilience.
Career path
Darko Lazović's football journey began in his hometown, progressing through the youth ranks before making his senior debut. His career path has taken him through Serbia, to Italy, establishing him as an experienced figure in European football.
Borac Čačak
Lazović started his professional career with local club Borac Čačak. He made his senior debut for the club in 2007, at the age of 17. During his time with Borac, he quickly became a first-team regular, showcasing his potential as an attacking midfielder. His performances attracted attention from larger clubs in Serbia.
Red Star Belgrade
In 2009, Lazović moved to one of Serbia's most decorated clubs, Red Star Belgrade. His transfer to Red Star marked a significant step in his career, where he spent six seasons. During his tenure, he played a crucial role, contributing to the club's success, including winning the Serbian SuperLiga title in the 2013–14 season and the Serbian Cup in 2010 and 2012. He became a fan favorite due to his energetic displays and consistent attacking output. His time at Red Star was pivotal in his development, making 114 league appearances and scoring 23 goals before his departure in 2015, as documented by Transfermarkt.
Genoa C.F.C.
In the summer of 2015, Lazović made his move to Italy, joining Serie A side Genoa C.F.C. on a free transfer, according to Transfermarkt. He spent four seasons with the Ligurian club, adapting to the tactical demands of Italian football. Initially finding his feet, he gradually established himself as a reliable option on the wing, featuring regularly in the Serie A. He made 126 appearances for Genoa across all competitions, scoring 5 goals and providing 16 assists, as per FBref.
Hellas Verona F.C.
In July 2019, Lazović transferred to Hellas Verona F.C., another Serie A club. This move saw him reunite with coach Ivan Jurić, under whom he had previously played at Genoa. At Verona, Lazović has arguably enjoyed some of the most consistent form of his career. He quickly became an indispensable part of the team, often operating as a left wing-back or wide midfielder in Jurić's preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. His offensive contributions, combined with his defensive work rate, have been integral to Verona's ability to maintain their Serie A status. As of May 2026, he remains a key player for the club.
Playing style
Darko Lazović's playing style is characterized by his blend of technical skill, tactical intelligence, and tireless work rate, making him an effective wide player in various formations. His primary strengths lie in his ability to impact the game in both attacking and defensive phases.
Attacking Attributes
As a right-footed player often deployed on either wing, Lazović excels at delivering crosses into the box. He possesses a good crossing technique, capable of finding teammates with both whipped deliveries and lofted balls. His dribbling ability allows him to beat defenders in one-on-one situations, creating space for himself or drawing fouls. He is also adept at making intelligent runs into the penalty area, often arriving late to support attacks. While not a prolific goalscorer, he contributes significantly through assists and pre-assists, often ranking among the top creators for his respective clubs. For instance, in the 2022-23 Serie A season, he registered 5 assists for Hellas Verona, as noted by Sofascore.
Defensive Contributions
One of Lazović's standout traits, particularly in his later career, is his defensive commitment. When deployed as a wing-back, he consistently tracks back, provides cover for his defense, and engages in duels to regain possession. His stamina allows him to maintain a high work rate throughout the match, contributing to pressing schemes and defensive solidity. This dual-threat capability makes him a valuable asset, especially in physically demanding leagues like Serie A.
Comparison
Lazović shares some stylistic similarities with players known for their consistent wide play and work rate, such as Filip Kostić or even a younger Dušan Tadić, particularly in terms of their ability to deliver dangerous balls from wide areas and their importance in linking play. Like Kostić, Lazović demonstrates significant ground covered and defensive effort while maintaining offensive threat. His versatility to play on both flanks and adapt to different tactical systems further enhances his utility.
Achievements & honours
Darko Lazović has collected several significant team honors throughout his career, primarily during his successful tenure with Red Star Belgrade in his homeland. His consistent performances have also made him a respected figure in Serbian football.
Club Honours
| Club | Competition | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Red Star Belgrade | Serbian SuperLiga | 2013–14 |
| Red Star Belgrade | Serbian Cup | 2009–10 |
| Red Star Belgrade | Serbian Cup | 2011–12 |
Individual Milestones
While often a team player, Lazović's consistent contributions have seen him make over 200 appearances in Serie A, a testament to his longevity and adaptability in one of Europe's top leagues. His significant number of assists over the years highlights his role as a key creator for his teams, particularly at Genoa and Hellas Verona where he consistently provided offensive thrust from wide areas.
International career
Darko Lazović has represented the Serbia national team at various levels, culminating in a senior international career that has spanned over a decade. His performances for his clubs earned him regular call-ups, solidifying his place as a reliable option for his country.
Youth International
Lazović first came into the international spotlight through Serbia's youth national teams. He represented Serbia at the U19 and U21 levels, gaining valuable experience in international competition and showcasing his potential on a larger stage. These youth appearances paved the way for his eventual progression to the senior squad.
Senior Debut and Caps
Darko Lazović made his senior international debut for Serbia on December 14, 2008, in a friendly match against Poland, at the age of 18. Since then, he has accumulated 28 caps for the national team as of May 2026, according to FIFA's records. While he has yet to score a goal for his country, his role has often been to provide width, deliver crosses, and contribute defensively from the flank.
Major Tournament Appearances
Lazović has been a part of Serbia's squad for major tournaments. He was included in Serbia's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, although he did not feature in any of the matches. His inclusion underscored his importance as an experienced squad member capable of providing depth and tactical options. Throughout his international career, he has consistently displayed a strong work ethic and commitment to the national cause, serving as a valuable component in various qualifying campaigns and friendly fixtures.
What makes Darko Lazović stand out
Darko Lazović stands out primarily due to his exceptional consistency and his ability to perform at a high level across multiple tactical systems in Serie A. His versatility to operate effectively as a traditional winger, an inverted winger, or a wing-back is a testament to his tactical intelligence and adaptability. He combines offensive flair, particularly his crossing ability and dribbling, with a diligent defensive work rate that makes him a complete wide player. This two-way contribution is often undervalued but is crucial for teams looking for balance on the flanks.
Another distinguishing trait is his decision-making in the final third. Lazović rarely wastes possession and often picks the right pass or cross, contributing significantly to his team's chance creation statistics. His experience in top European leagues also means he brings a calming presence and leadership, often dictating the tempo from his position. He consistently puts in performances that are physically demanding, covering significant ground to support both attack and defense. His longevity in a demanding league like Serie A speaks volumes about his professionalism and enduring quality.
"Lazović is a player who gives you everything on the flank. He attacks, he defends, and he does it with consistency and quality." – Ivan Jurić, former Hellas Verona coach.