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The present day Serbia, Motengero, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia and Macedonia were once a single nation by the name of Yugoslavia. If the nation still existed, they would probably have one of the best football teams. So here we look at a 23-man squad like the one every nation who participates in an International tournament has to announce.
Notbale names who have not made the 23-man squad: Matija Nastasic (Serbia/Manchester City), Zoran Tosic (Serbia/CSKA Moscow), Emir Spahic (Bosnia and Herzegovina/Bayer Leverkusen), Ivan Perisic (Croatia/Wolfsburg), Muhamed Besic (Bosnia and Herzegovina/Everton), Ivica Olic (Croatia/Wolfsburg), Goran Pandev (Macedonia/Napoli) and Josip Ilicic (Slovenia/Fiorentina)
Goalkeepers
Asmir Begovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina/Stoke City) - The Stoke City Number 1 is no stranger to Premier League fans, he has been a key figure in goal for his club and national team. He was also eligible to play for Canadan, but chose to play for Bosnia. He went on to become their first choice keeper and was part of the Bosnian team who played at the World Cup for the first time in their history.
Samir Handanovic (Slovenia/Internazionale) - Handanovic moved to Internazionale in 2012 to replace Julio Cesar. The Slovenian has been impressive for his club despite the club’s poor performance in the previous two seasons. The 30 year old has represented Slovenia 70 times.
Jan Oblak (Slovenia/Atletico Madrid) - Jan Oblak is one of the best U21 keepers today, the youngster went on to replace an erratic Artur Moraes last season at Benifica. Oblak then conceded just 3 goals in 13 games for the Portuguese champions. He made a move to Atletico Madrid this summer as a replacement for Thibaut Courtois.
Defenders
Branislav Ivanovic (Serbia/Chelsea) - Ivanovic has been a regular at Chelsea for the previous six seasons, Ivanovic is capable of playing as a right back as well as a center back. He is a born leader and winner. He is the current captain of the Serbian National Team.
Darijo Srna (Croatia/Shaktar Donetsk) - Srna is the captain for both his club and country. He plays for Ukranian side Shaktar Donetsk and has been a player of the Ukranian champions for the past 11 years. Srna led the Croatian team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Neven Subotic (Serbia/Borussia Dortmund) - Neven Subotic is one of the most highly rated center backs today, he rose to fame after the incredible success of his club Borussia Dortmund. Subotic followed his present manager Jurgen Klopp from Mainz to Dortmund. Subotic’s partnership with Hummels is one of the best partnerships today. His performances for club and country have gained him a lot of admirers.
Nemanja Vidic (Serbia/Internazionale) -Nemanja Vidic retired from International football in 2011, but Vidic certainly deserves to be in the list. The 32 year old was one of the best defenders of the Premier League era and has won numerous trophies with Manchester United. He moved to Internazionale this summer and is still on top of his game.
Dejan Lovren (Croatia/Liverpool) - Dejan Lovren played for Croatia at the World Cup and was responsible for giving away the penalty against Brazil in the opening game of the World Cup. Lovren is a commanding figure at the back like many of the already mentioned players. He moved to Premier League last year and joined Southampton and his excellent performances for them caught the eyes of Liverpool, who purchased his services for a massive 20 million pounds.
Stefan Savic (Montenegro/Fiorentina) - Stefan Savic was a Manchester City player two seasons ago, his time at the Premier League didn’t go too well and he was part of the deal that brought Matija Nastasic to Manchester CIty with Savic going the other way. Nastasic’s time at City hasn’t gone well with numerous injuries, while Savic has made a name for himself with Fiorentina in Italy.
Alexander Kolarov (Serbia/Manchester City) - Alexander Kolarov is a very good left back going forward, his crosses are very accurate and he has a ferocious left foot. He takes excellent set-pieces as well. Kolarov’s attacking prowess have often led to him being played as left sided winger on many occassions.
Sead Kolasinac (Bosnia and Herzegovina/Schalke 04) - Kolasinac was eligible to play for Germany and has represented them in youth teams. He though chose to play for Bosnia and Herzegovina and made the cut for their World Cup squad. He scored an unfortunate own goal against Argentina in their opening match which was also the fastest in history.
Midfielders
Luka Modric (Croatia/Real Madrid) - Modric along with fellow compatriot Rakitic were arguably the best midfielders in La Liga last season. Modric has incredible vision and picks his pass well. He played for Croatia in a dissapointing World Cup campaign. Modric is blessed with an incredible skill to score from outside the box and so far all his goals for Real Madrid have been from outside the box.
Ivan Rakitic (Croatia/FC Barcelona) - Rakitic had an incredible season with Sevilla last year and led them to a Europa League success. His performances earned him a move to Barcelona this summer with whom he will be hoping to make a good impression
Mateo Kovacic (Croatia/Internazionale) - Kovacic is one of the most coveted young midfielders today. He plays for Internazionale in Italy. At the age of 21, he has the potential to go on and become one of the best in the world.
Nemanja Matic (Serbia/Chelsea) - Nemanja Matic has been bossing the game ever since his arrival from Benifica to Chelsea last January. His highlight last season was the game against Manchester City which Chelsea won thanks to a goal by his compatriot Ivanovic. Matic closes down opposition players very quickly and break up play very easily.
Miralem Pjanic (Bosnia and Herzegovina/AS Roma) - Pjanic recently became a trending topic after he scored a 60 yard goal versus Manchester United in a preseason game. He has been a key player for Roma Rudi Garcia and have led the team from the Italian capital back to the champions league.
Milos Jojic (Serbia/Borussia Dortmund) - Jojic was purchased by Dortmund last January and made his debut in an incredible manner by scoring with his first touch after coming off the bench. Jojic also scored on his debut for Serbia as well.
Dusan Tadic (Serbia/Southampton) - Dusan Tadic was recently purchased by Southampton. Tadic is a high scoring midfielder and has done so for his previous clubs, it remains to be seen if he can replicate the same in the Premier League.
Adam Ljajic (Serbia/AS Roma) - Ljajic is a versatile player, he can play as a winger or as an attacking midfielder. He moved to Roma last season from Fiorentina and started well there. He has been known to have an attitude issue and was once removed from the Serbian team for refusing for sing the National Anthem after signing a contract which includes the statement that he has to sing the anthem.
Forwards
Edin Dzeko (Bosnia and Herzegovina/Manchester City) - The Super Sub for Manchester City. Dzeko always steps up his game in the second half of the season, he has scored a lot of goals comnig off the bench. Dzeko was key to City winning the title last season after winning them numerous mathes with his goals or assists.
Stevan Jovetic (Montenegro/Manchester City) - Jovetic had a bad first season with Manchester City, but he has started tho show what he is capable of in preseason. His time at Fiorentina was incredibly successfull. He plays for Montenegro.
Lazar Markovic (Serbia/Liverpool) - Lazar Markovic is an upcoming star in the making. He moved to Liverpool from Benifica recently. Markovic has blistering pace and an amazing first touch. He is just 20 years old right now. Markovic is a versatile player and can play on the wings as well.
Mario Mandzukic (Croatia/Atletico Madrid) - No need of an introduction to another Super Mario – Mario Mandzukic. A treble winner with Bayern Munich and a proven goal scorer. He moved to Atletico Madrid this summer and will be looking to continue his fine form with the reigning Spanish Champions.
