• Vlahovic spoke about importance of statistics
• Idolised Ronaldo growing up
• Admires Messi, Neymar and Hazard

WHAT HAPPENED?

Vlahovic, who is currently the second-highest scorer in Serie A behind Lautaro Martinez with 16 goals, claimed he understands the importance of statistics in the game as he does not possess the quality or skills of players like Eden Hazard, Neymar and Lionel Messi. He also revealed his love for Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo whom he idolised from his Manchester United days.

WHAT DUSAN VLAHOVIC SAID

Speaking to L'Equipe, the 24-year-old striker said: "I understand it too. I'm not Neymar, (Eden) Hazard or (Lionel) Messi, guys who, when you see them, you say to yourself: 'Wow, what a player!' For me, my advantage would rather be the statistics, precisely, the goals. But whatever the profile, the attacker is fundamental in a team. If the attacker plays well, the team plays well. Football has changed so much.

"Today, people say: 'Football is more physical, there are more races.' But they don't understand that precisely because there are physical players, your technique must be at the top. You have less and less time and space to do things. They also say: 'Ah, there are no more numbers 10 from the time, what a shame.' While there are still plenty of top quality players like them, but we see them less because everything is going much faster."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

When asked about the attackers he admired growing up, the Serbian added: "Cristiano Ronaldo, obviously, who I followed from Manchester, when he was a left winger, I liked his movements, his killer instinct, I think he's one of the best in history. Zlatan (Ibrahimovic) I also really liked it, and I liked Fernando Torres with his slightly long hair during his Liverpool days. And then Karim Benzema, a player that I adore."

WHAT NEXT FOR DUSAN VLAHOVIC?

The attacker has been linked with a move to the Premier League with clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal reportedly keen on signing him. For now he remains focused on the Bianconeri and will be next seen in action for them on Tuesday against Lazio in the Serie A.