England v Serbia: Serbian players who have played in the Premier League

Ahead of England's Euro 2024 opener against Serbia on Sunday we take a look at 10 of the Eagles finest foreign imports - some of whom lit-up the Premier League.

The English top-flight prides itself on its diverse range of global talent, and like many other nations, Serbian players have helped carve their nation a special place in Premier League history.

We take a look at 10 of Serbia's finest players who have more than left their imprint...

No.1 - Nemanja Vidic

Manchester United (2006 - 2014)

Widely considered one of the greatest defenders in the sport's history, former Manchester United lynchpin Nemanja Vidić will go down as the finest Serbian to ever have graced the Premier League stage.

A tower of strength and unwavering determination, the former Spartak Moscow man instantaneously established himself as a huge fan-favourite at Old Trafford, with his immaculate ball winning ability and leadership qualities.

His partnership with Rio Ferdinand at the height of the Red Devils' success under Sir Alex Ferguson remains one of, if not, the best central defensive pairing in English top-flight history.

Vidic captured 15 titles during his time in Manchester - five Premier League crowns, three FA Cups and, of course, the Champions League, amongst others.

The Serb, who amassed exactly 300 appearances for the club, is also one of just four players to have been named Premier League Player of the Season, alongside fellow footballing greats Thierry Henry, Kevin De Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo.

He also represented his country on 53 occasions, including at both the World Cup and European Championships.

No.2 - Branislav Ivanovic

Chelsea (2008 - 2017)
West Bromwich Albion (2020 - 2021)

It's fair to say that Chelsea have boasted some of the finest full-backs in Premier League history over the past couple of decades, and Branislav Ivanovic sits pretty high in the pecking order.

The tough-tackling, forward-thinking right-back enjoyed huge success in West London, helping the club to nine major honours after completing a £9 million switch to the Londoners in January 2008.

A player with pace, power and real goalscoring ability, the Serbian notched up in excess of 300 appearances during the Blues' trophy-laden years at the turn of the century, helping himself to 34 goals in the process.

In fact, that tally puts him behind only John Terry in goals scored by a defender for the club, whilst his qualities were also rewarded by being named in the PFA Team of the Year on two occasions.

Ivanovic's entire trophy haul for the club features three Premier League titles, three FA Cups, one League Cup, the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League.

The full-back was also bestowed the honour of representing his nation at their first international tournament as an independent country at the 2010 World Cup, whilst he also captained the national side for over six years.

No. 3 - Nemanja Matic

Chelsea (2009 - 2011 & 2014 - 2017)
Manchester United (2017 - 2022)

A true Premier League stalwart, Nemanja Matić's impact cannot be overstated.

His imposing physique and ability to control the midfield with his intelligent positioning and tackles made him a key component of Jose Mourinho's Chelsea and later, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United sides.

He secured two Premier League titles with Chelsea, as well as an FA Cup and EFL Cup, demonstrating his adaptability and tactical awareness in varying systems.

Now with French side Lyon, Matic made 154 appearances across his two spells with Chelsea and a further 189 during his five-year association with United, whilst representing his country 48 times.

No.4 - Aleksandar Kolorov

Manchester City (2010 - 2017)

A player that will forever be assured of legendary status at Manchester City, Aleksandar Kolorov has played a key role in the Citizens modern day fortunes.

A tireless left-back known for his work rate, tough-tackling and rocket-like left foot, he captured six titles during his seven-year spell with the club, including two Premier League crowns, an FA Cup winners medal and two League Cup triumphs.

Despite making the left back position his own, the Serbian's versatility also saw him deployed at the heart of the backline and even as a defensive midfielder.

Kolorov's uncanny prowess at the top end of the field saw him net at least one league goal across each of his seven campaigns at the Etihad Stadium, whilst he also reached 11 goals across 94 appearances for his country.

His contribution to the cause, particularly during the Citizen's maiden Premier League winning campaign in 2012 will always be remembered by those of a light blue persuasion.

No.5 - Aleksandar Mitrovic

Newcastle United (2015 - 2018)
Fulham (2018 - 2023)

A modern-day goal scoring machine, Aleksandar Mitrović has proven his prolific ability in front of goal both domestically and internationally.

While the unpredictable frontman's time with Newcastle United was marred by inconsistency, he went on to establish himself in Fulham folklore, playing a key role in their promotion to the top-flight in 2018, before establishing himself as a regular marksman in the top-flight.

He netted ten times in 40 Premier League appearances for Newcastle, but it was at Craven Cottage that he really came to the the fore, notching 111 times in 206 outings, including 15 in 2022/23.

A big money switch to Saudi Arabia has only served to enhance his scoring prowess too, with the striker averaging a goal a game across his 28 appearances for Al Hilal to date, whilst he will undoubtedly represent Serbia's main focal point in Germany this summer.

His 55 goals for the Eagles across 80 appearances is more than any other player in the nation's history, and he will be keen to extend his tally yet further during the summer showpiece.

No.6 - Luka Milivojevic

Crystal Palace (2018 - 2023)

Luka Milivojevic was a mainstay in Crystal Palace's starting line-up for over seven years, making 198 appearances in all competitions as well as chipping in with 29 goals from midfield.

A reliable penalty taker, Milivojevic also captained the South Londoners during his spell there, whilst he also racked up 38 international appearances for his country - the vast majority of which came during his time at Selhurst Park.

No.7 - Dusan Tadic

Southampton (2014 - 2018)

The current Serbian captain, Dusan Tadic, was one of the top-flight's most talented attackers during the height of his four-year spell with Southampton.

The creative and technically gifted forward's credentials were evident in his sensational performance against Manchester City during the 2015/16 campaign, registering three assists as the Citizens were upstaged on the South Coast.

He scored 24 times in 162 appearances after becoming Ronald Koeman's first signing at St Mary's and will hope to add to his 108 international caps in Germany this summer.

No.8 - Savo Milosevic

Aston Villa (1995 - 1998)

Serbian maestro Savo Milosevic became Aston Villa's club record signing when Brian Little forked out £3.5 million to capture his services from Partizan Belgrade in 1995.

And whilst there were those who criticised his contribution to the Villans cause, with a tabloid famously naming him 'Miss-a-lot-evic', he did still hit double figures in two of his three full campaigns in the Midlands, including one in Villa's 1996 League Cup Final triumph over Leeds United.

No.9 - Nikola Zigic

Birmingham City (2010 - 2015)

One of the tallest players to have ever graced the Premier League, Nikola Zigic was without doubt doubt one of the more unorthodox strikers in the English game.

A player who divided opinion during his five years with Birmingham City, the 6ft 7ins giant never quite lived up to the hype that surrounded his big money arrival.

That said, he did score four in a 4-1 success at Leeds United, the opener in a League Cup final and, of course, his contribution to Birmingham's remarkable comeback against Bolton Wanderers which secured them Championship survival.

Those moments alone have cemented his cult icon status with Birmingham supporters.

No.10 - Zoran Tosic

Manchester United (2009 - 2010)

Zoran Tosic may be a name that doesn't immediately ring a bell for some Manchester United fans, but his brief spell with the club remains one of the more curious chapters in the club's history.

The talented Serbian winger arrived with a vast amount of hype and promise as Sir Alex Ferguson sought out a long-term replacement for Real Madrid-bound Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, despite winning the Serbian SuperLiga with Partizan and earning the title of 'Young Player of the Year' in 2008, Tosic's time at Old Trafford was riddled with difficulties and controversy - including a training ground spat with Patrice Evra.

Tosic, who did light things up on the international stage for his country, ended up departing United prematurely, having made just two Premier League appearances.