'Like Suarez': Serbia star Jovic set to shine against Germany

Berlin (AFP) – Rising Eintracht Frankfurt star Luka Jovic is hoping to maintain his superb form when he lines up for Serbia against Germany in a friendly this Wednesday.

Jovic, 21, is set to make only his fourth international appearance in Wolfsburg against the Germans, but for Frankfurt fans, he is already a superstar.

The Serbian striker scored the winner at the San Siro last week, as Eintracht knocked out Inter Milan with 1-0 win to reach the last eight of the Europa League, where Benfica – the club he is on loan from until May – awaits.

Jovic has also chalked up 15 goals and six assists in the league this season – including five in one game against Fortuna Duesseldorf last October – with only Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski ahead of him in the Bundesliga scoring charts.

“Luka has adapted much more quickly to the Bundesliga than many people expected,” Serbia coach Mladen Krstajic told T-online on Monday.

“I would compare him to Barcelona’s Luis Suarez.

“He is a classical goalscorer with very good ball control and great understanding of the game.

“He is always dangerous, because he is always waiting for his chance.”

Having arrived on loan from Benfica in 2017, Jovic helped Frankfurt to an unlikely German Cup triumph last season, beating mighty Bayern in the final last May, before exploding into German football this term.

His goals have not only helped Frankfurt in the Europa League, but also kept them in the hunt for a Champions League qualification spot.

The superb performances have earned him not only comparisons to Suarez, but also rumours of an impending move to Barcelona.

Such a move could be lucrative for Frankfurt.

In March, sporting director Fredi Bobic confirmed that the loan deal included an option for Frankfurt to buy Jovic outright for “less than seven million euros” ($7.9m).

“He should continue his fantastic development and then he and Frankfurt will make the right decision together,” said Krstajic when asked about Jovic’s future. 

For the time being, the striker is focused on Wednesday’s clash with Germany. 

“It is going to be a tough game, so let’s see what we can achieve,” said Jovic on Tuesday. 

He admitted that Frankfurt’s gruelling Europa League campaign had taken its toll in recent weeks. 

“We are all extremely tired, but we want to keep going and do the best we can.”