## Mitrović's Role and Playing Time at Monaco: An Analysis

Stevan Jovetić’s arrival at AS Monaco in January 2015 marked a significant shift for both player and club. After struggling to hold down a starting spot at Newcastle United following his breakthrough at Partizan Belgrade, the Montenegrin striker moved to Ligue 1 seeking revitalization. His role under manager Leonardo Jardim was utterly clear: **he was the primary, natural goalscorer – the focal point of an attack built around his strengths.**

That season (2014/15), he delivered spectacularly. Making 14 starts and 7 substitute appearances across all competitions by the end of the campaign, he formed a lethal partnership with Radamel Falcao García. This duo terrorized defenses as Monaco stormed to their first Ligue 1 title in decades. Mitrović contributed crucial goals himself (12 in league alone), but equally important was his ability to hold up play, bring teammates into dangerous areas with his physicality, and create space through intelligent movement off the ball. His aerial prowess became a key weapon during set pieces. Against less potent opponents or later in games when leading comfortably, Jardim often utilized him as an impact substitute to consolidate victories or chase further goals.

The following season (2015/16), while still valuable, saw a slight reduction in prominence. With Anthony Martial emerging as another attacking talent and increased squad rotation amid Champions League qualification demands, Mitrović started fewer league matches (9 starts vs 14 previously). Yet, he remained an essential squad member off the bench, providing energy and goal threat when called upon. His total minutes decreased reflecting this tactical adaptation but underscored his continued importance as a plan B option.

Ultimately, his two years at Monaco defined him as a powerful, clinical number nine thrived in the principality. He transformed into a top-class league winner and demonstrated his elite finishing ability on Europe's biggest stage. While not always guaranteed in the starting XI later on, his role as the man tasked with finding the net – whether from kickoff or arriving fresh off the bench – was consistently central to Monaco's potency during his tenure. It launched him back into the upper echelons of European football after his initial Premier League struggle.

• playing
• Time
• and
• Role
• Mitrovi