Serbian media agree on Kosta Nedeljkovic's display vs Germany as Rangers man 'upset'

Rangers defender Kosta Nedeljkovic endured a tough night at the office in Serbia's 2-0 defeat to Germany.

The Aston Villa loanee won his 13th cap for his country on Thursday night in Munich.

However, it would be marked with defeat, as Jurgen Klopp's side eventually had too much for Veljko Paunovic's team.

Nedeljkovic played the full 90 minutes at right-back, and even came close to giving Serbia the lead just after the half hour mark.

In the end, it was a testing night for the Rangers full-back, but one that should provide a valuable learning experience for his young career.

Ibrox News picks out some of the reaction to his performance from Serbian media.

What did Serbian media say about Kosta Nedeljkovic?

Germany may not be the force they once were in world football, but they're certainly still an elite side.

Klopp has an abundance of attacking quality to choose from, and despite setting up in a back five, Serbia couldn't keep them at bay.

The Serbian media was in agreement, however, that Nedeljkovic looked slightly lost out there on Thursday night.

Sportklub wrote: "He found himself in the best chance, after Kostić's breakthrough, was a moment too late and – Kosta Nedeljković cannot be blamed for that.

"He followed his teammates' action perfectly at that moment and deserved praise. However, he had a lot of problems in defensive tasks, as did the whole team

"Through his side, the Germans scored the opening goal, Tom Bischoff was left alone.

"He could not cope even under the constant pressure of the home team's strikers. Five."

Meanwhile, Mozzart Sport said: "Nedeljković was upset in this match.

"Klopp estimated that the Serbian right side was weaker. Germany led the most attacks, especially in the first half, on that side.

"Mittelstadt and Serhant caused problems for the right back of Serbia, he had a hard time dealing with them.

"In the end Bischof was left completely alone next to him and Erakovic and scored for the lead.

"Kratak was also short on Serbia's best chance to score, on Kostić's cross. Five."

So, was Nedeljkovic's performance really as poor as Serbian media are making it out to be, or do his numbers absolve him somewhat?

Why Nedeljkovic deserves more credit for Germany display

It wasn't Nedeljkovic's best night in a Serbian shirt, but it surely wasn't his worst either.

Given the context that he's facing off against elite attacking players, the Rangers defender did put up some encouraging underlying numbers.

Per FotMob, only Srdjan Babic (11) made more defensive contributions than his eight, whilst he also made three tackles and completed eight of his nine pass attempts.

Nedeljkovic made three clearances, two blocks, two recoveries and won five of his six ground duels too, as well as winning two fouls.

Against a side like Germany, especially away from home, Nedeljkovic can still be proud of his performance as these numbers prove.