Overview
Lazar Marković is a professional footballer from Serbia, born on March 2, 1994, in Belgrade. Primarily operating as a midfielder, Marković has carved out a career in European football, known for his dynamic attributes and offensive contributions. Standing at 1.75 meters, his playing style has often been characterized by bursts of speed, dribbling, and an ability to create opportunities in wide areas or through central channels. His career trajectory has seen him move between several top-tier leagues, experiencing both high-profile transfers and loan spells.
Position
Marković is generally deployed in midfield, often featuring as a wide midfielder or winger. His versatility has also allowed him to play in a more central attacking role behind a striker, leveraging his technical skills and vision. Throughout his career, managers have utilized his ability to run at defenders and deliver passes into dangerous areas, making him an asset in various offensive setups.
Identity
Marković's headline identity is often that of a 'pacey, technical playmaker'. His game relies on quick transitions, accurate passing, and the ability to beat opponents in one-on-one situations. While his early career promised a high offensive output, his development has also seen him adapt to different tactical requirements, contributing to build-up play and defensive pressing when needed.
Career path
Lazar Marković began his youth career in his native Serbia, joining the Partizan Belgrade academy. He progressed through their ranks, making his senior debut for the club in 2011. During his time with Partizan, he quickly established himself as a promising talent, attracting attention from major European clubs. He won three consecutive Serbian SuperLiga titles with Partizan from 2011 to 2013, solidifying his reputation.
Benfica (2013–2014)
In the summer of 2013, Marković made a significant move to Portuguese giants Benfica. His single season in Lisbon was highly successful, as he played a crucial role in helping Benfica secure a domestic treble, winning the Primeira Liga, Taça de Portugal, and Taça da Liga in the 2013–14 season [Wikipedia]. His performances in Portugal led to further interest from top European clubs.
Liverpool (2014–2019)
Marković's impressive form at Benfica culminated in a high-profile transfer to Liverpool in July 2014 [Transfermarkt]. Despite initial expectations, his tenure at Anfield was marked by a series of loan spells rather than consistent first-team action. He made 34 appearances in his debut season across all competitions [Transfermarkt] before being sent out on loan to various clubs.
Loan Spells (2015–2019)
During his time contracted to Liverpool, Marković had multiple loan moves to gain playing time. These included spells at Fenerbahçe (2015–16), Sporting CP (2016–17), Hull City (second half of 2016–17), and Anderlecht (first half of 2017–18). Each move offered different challenges and opportunities, but he struggled to consistently replicate the form shown early in his career.
Fulham (2019)
After his various loan assignments, Marković eventually left Liverpool permanently in January 2019, joining Fulham [Transfermarkt]. His spell at Craven Cottage was brief, making only a handful of appearances before departing at the end of the season.
Partizan Return (2019–2022)
In September 2019, Marković returned to his boyhood club, Partizan Belgrade, as a free agent [Transfermarkt]. This move saw him regain consistent playing time and rediscover some of his earlier form. He remained with Partizan for three seasons, contributing to their domestic campaigns.
Gaziantep FK (2022–2023)
Following his second stint at Partizan, Marković moved to Turkish club Gaziantep FK in July 2022 [Transfermarkt], where he spent one season.
Hatayspor (2023–present)
In September 2023, he joined another Turkish Süper Lig side, Hatayspor, continuing his career in Turkey [Transfermarkt].
Playing style
Lazar Marković's playing style is characterized by a combination of speed, dribbling ability, and technical flair, making him effective in attacking midfield roles, particularly on the wings. His primary strength lies in his acceleration and ability to carry the ball forward rapidly, often initiating counter-attacks or breaking defensive lines. He has a quick change of pace that allows him to get past defenders in one-on-one situations.
As a midfielder, Marković possesses good close control and passing accuracy. He is capable of delivering dangerous crosses from wide positions and can also cut inside to shoot or link up with central attackers. While not typically a prolific goalscorer, his movement and ability to draw defenders create space for teammates. His defensive work rate, particularly in pressing, has also been noted as an area of contribution, allowing him to fit into systems that demand high energy from their attacking players.
A statistical analysis using platforms like FBref reveals his capacity for progressive carries and successful take-ons, highlighting his direct approach to attacking play [FBref]. Comparison to players who rely on similar attributes might include early-career Raheem Sterling or a more direct version of a player like Angel Di María, particularly in terms of exploiting space with pace and dribbling. However, his consistency in advanced metrics like Expected Assists (xA) and Shot-Creating Actions (SCA) has varied throughout his career, reflecting the different roles and leagues he has played in.
Marković also demonstrates good spatial awareness, often finding pockets of space between opposition lines. His decision-making in the final third, whether to shoot, pass, or dribble, is a key aspect of his game, though it has been subject to scrutiny at different points in his career. His technical foundation, cultivated in Serbian football, has remained a constant throughout his various club tenures.
Achievements & honours
Lazar Marković has accumulated several team honours throughout his playing career, primarily during his stints in Serbia and Portugal. His early success with Partizan and his pivotal role in Benfica's treble-winning season stand as the highlights of his trophy cabinet.
Club Honours
| Club | Competition | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Partizan Belgrade | Serbian SuperLiga | 2010–11 |
| Partizan Belgrade | Serbian SuperLiga | 2011–12 |
| Partizan Belgrade | Serbian SuperLiga | 2012–13 |
| Benfica | Primeira Liga | 2013–14 |
| Benfica | Taça de Portugal | 2013–14 |
| Benfica | Taça da Liga | 2013–14 |
International career
Lazar Marković has represented the Serbia national football team at various levels, from youth squads to the senior team. He made his debut for the senior national team on February 29, 2012, in a friendly match against Armenia at the age of 17, showcasing his early potential [FIFA]. He quickly became a regular fixture in the squad during the early and mid-2010s.
Throughout his international career, Marković has earned 22 caps for Serbia and scored 3 goals [FIFA]. His international contributions have seen him participate in qualifying campaigns for major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship. While he has been a valuable option for the national team, providing pace and creativity from midfield, Serbia has generally struggled to qualify for major tournament finals during his most active period with the squad.
His role for the national team has typically mirrored his club position, operating as a dynamic wide player or an attacking midfielder, entrusted with creating chances and stretching opposition defenses. Despite his intermittent club form, he has often been called upon to inject pace and directness into the Serbian attack.
What makes Lazar Marković stand out
Lazar Marković stands out primarily due to his exceptional pace and natural dribbling ability. From his early days at Partizan to his time with Benfica, his capacity to beat defenders with a burst of acceleration and close control made him a significant threat. This directness, combined with a good technical foundation, allowed him to create opportunities from seemingly innocuous positions.
Another distinguishing trait is his versatility across attacking midfield roles. While often deployed on the wing, his comfort operating centrally behind a striker meant he could adapt to different tactical systems, offering coaches a flexible option. This adaptability, coupled with his high energy, made him an exciting prospect and a player capable of moments of individual brilliance, even if sustained consistency proved elusive at times.
"Marković has the kind of speed that can change a game in an instant. When he's on form, he's incredibly difficult to stop."