Žigic aiming to stand tall

By Aleksandar Boskovic

At 202cm tall and weighing 96kg, FK Crvena Zvezda striker Nikola Žigic stands out in a crowd, but now the 23-year-old is beginning to catch the eye for reasons other than his physical presence.

Steady progress
Žigic's career to date has been marked by steady progress, having begun with fourth division side FK Krivak before moving up a division to join AIK. He then transferred to FK Mornar, from where he graduated to FK Bor of the second division before winning a dream move to Crvena Zvezda in 2002.

Second chance
At first Žigic struggled to win a first-team place in Belgrade and coach Zoran Filipovic elected to loan him to FK Spartak Subotica. However, some impressive displays for the third division team, coupled with the appointment of new coach Slavoljub Muslin, combined to offer Žigic another chance in the top flight.

'I was overwhelmed'
"At first, I was overwhelmed when I signed for Crvena Zvezda," said Žigic. "It seemed to me the peak of my career and so I did not take it as a tragedy when I was loaned to Spartak. Last season I scored 22 goals for them and this was my ticket back to Belgrade."

'Aim to dominate'
Žigic is aware that he stands out because of his height, an attribute he tries to use to his advantage as much as possible. "It is clear that my physique creates a shock, but if I play well this becomes irrelevant," he said. "I try to use my height in the most positive way possible and dominate the opponents' defence. Shock is my primary weapon, but I have also worked on my ground performance. I want my skills with my feet to be perfect."

Key forward
His return to the team has redefined Crvena Zvezda, who have switched to a formation employing a centre-forward and two wingers. The 4-3-3 system has been designed specifically for Žigic, who has become the focal point of the team’s attack.

'My duty is scoring'
"I know that many things revolve around me," he said. "I don't feel the pressure, but I am trying very hard to live up to the expectations of my team-mates. Scoring is my duty. I am aware that the whole squad is happy to play attacking football and we are playing very well."

Spectacular start
How well was perfectly illustrated in his team's UEFA Cup qualifying round first leg tie against Moldovan outfit FC Nistru Otaci. Žigic claimed a hat-trick in Crvena Zvezda's emphatic 5-0 victory and caused the visitors no end of problems with his powerful display, heading two goals and adding another from close range.

'Dream come true'
"It was a dream come true," he said. "In my wildest dreams I couldn't have thought of such a thing. For the first time I was playing in front of 20,000 spectators, the lights were on and everything was new. I was carried by my will and the support of the fans. But this is just a stimulant for new good performances - I cannot stop here otherwise I will be eaten up by the past."

Domestic targets
Despite that first taste of European success, Žigic insists Crvena Zvezda must not lose sight of their main objectives for the season ahead. "This generation of players has been carefully chosen and well prepared," he said. "We have a lot of time ahead of us to show our real face. We are aware that in European competitions we still cannot do much, so therefore we want to secure the domestic title and win the national cup. That would be enough for this season."