For the first time since he came to Monaco at the end of August 2017, a few days before Kylian Mbappe signed for PSG, Stevan Jovetić tied more than five matches in a row on the pitch.
This is information that can have two meanings. The first - that the 30-year-old striker is, finally, completely ready. The second - that in two and a half seasons in Monte Carlo, he had so many problems with injuries that he didn't even have the opportunity to show his worth in the right way.
A hamstring injury, then a knee injury, and eventually a ligament tear - it's a real tragedy that a player of such profile, talent and potential was out of the field for so long and so often.
Jovetić, when he is fit and healthy, is without a doubt - world class. He showed it as a teenager in Partizan, then in Fiorentina, and that his qualities are extraordinary was confirmed by his transfer to Manchester City for 30 million euros, back in 2013.
And seven years later, 30 million euros is a respectable sum in transfer deals. That summer, only nine players had bigger transfers than Jovetic - Bale, Neymar, Falcao, Ozil, Fernandinho, Higuain, Marquinhos, Illaramendi and Fellaini.
However, since entering professional waters, and especially after leaving Partizan, Jovetić's career was slowed down many times with over 20 injuries!
But, whenever he had a chance, he showed that he is a player who makes football more beautiful and who is capable of making a difference.
That's how it is now in Monaco.
Since returning to the field, his team has gone on a five-game undefeated streak. One of the three victories was signed by Jovetić with the only goal in the duel with Anže.
Last night against Reims, he came on in the 65th minute, he lacked a bit of luck - he hit the goal frame twice, it remained 1:1 - but with his entry into the game, Monaco got a strong option in attack and a player, who, again, turned the tide of the match.
That is why it is of inestimable importance for Monaco and coach Roberto Moreno that Jovetic is ready until the end of the season, because with him in the team, the "princes" can reach Europe.
Without him, the chances are much less.
His presence in the national team of Montenegro, for which he has not played since October 2018, is of inestimable importance, of course.
At the end of the month, there are friendly matches with Luxembourg and Estonia, and it is a chance for him to return to his hometown.
But, autumn and new matches in the League of Nations, and qualification for the 2022 World Cup - those are the matches in which Montenegro needs Jovetic. For the hope that the national team can start from the bottom where it met the previous qualification cycle.
Bonus video:
