Igor Duljaj’s Winning Formula: FK Partizan Belgrade’s 2023/24 surge, strategy, and the elusive title within reach – tactical analysis

In Serbian football, FK Partizan Belgrade has emerged as a formidable force, showcasing an exceptional season in the Super Liga Srbije under the astute guidance of their manager, Igor Duljaj.

The former Partizan and Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder has left an indelible mark on the team, orchestrating a significant shift in their playing style that has propelled them to the summit of the league table — a league they have failed to win since the 2016/17 season, with Red Star dominating recent seasons.

Under Duljajs stewardship, Partizan has undergone a tactical metamorphosis, departing from the conventional norms to embrace a style that reflects the managers football philosophy.

This transformation has not only captured the imagination of the fans but has also yielded tangible results on the pitch, allowing Partizan to assert their dominance in the Super Liga Srbije.

Currently occupying the coveted top spot in the league standings with an impressive tally of 47 points after 19 matchdays, FK Partizan finds themselves in a gripping title race, edging out perennial rivals Red Star Belgrade by a solitary point.

The narrative of their outstanding season gains further depth and significance as Partizan clinched a crucial victory in the direct duel against Red Star Belgrade, securing not only three points but also a psychological advantage in the race for the championship.

As we delve into Partizans tactics in this analysis, it becomes evident that Duljajs influence extends beyond mere results.

This tactical analysis, presented in the form of a scout report, aims to dissect the key elements of Partizans playing style, shedding light on the tactical nuances that have propelled them to the forefront of Serbian football and positioned them as serious contenders for the Super Liga Srbije title.

Squad Planning

The current league standings, which see FK Partizan Belgrade comfortably at the top of the table, are nothing short of surprising, especially considering the substantial financial disparities between Partizan and their arch-rivals, Red Star Belgrade.

In terms of market value, Partizan may be positioned second in the league, but their overall team value stands at 35.150.000€—significantly less than Red Stars impressive 71.900.000€.

This glaring financial difference, with Red Star having more than double the market value of Partizan, usually translates into a distinct advantage in terms of squad depth, player quality, and overall resources.

Adding to the surprise is the fact that Partizans transfer expenditure, while competitive within the league, is still notably lower than Red Stars.

Partizans transfer expenditure of € 3.750,000 contrasts with Red Stars € 12,400,000, underscoring the financial constraints that Partizan has had to navigate.

One of the key contributors to Partizans unexpected success is their impressive goal conversion rate of 9.7%, which places them in the second position in the league.

Notably, this statistic reflects their efficiency in converting goal-scoring opportunities into tangible results on the field.

Comparatively, Red Star Belgrade, despite boasting a market value that is more than double that of Partizan, finds themselves trailing in the league standings.

Red Stars goal conversion rate of 9.4%, while respectable, places them in the fourth position, highlighting a relative inefficiency in front of goal when juxtaposed with Partizan.

In terms of the average age of players at Partizan, there has been a subtle yet noteworthy decrease from 27.7 in the previous season to 26.70 in the ongoing campaign.

This indicates a strategic emphasis on integrating younger talents, potentially contributing to a more dynamic and agile approach.

Current situation

The change in FK Partizan Belgrades fortunes from the 2022/23 season to the current 2023/24 campaign is nothing short of extraordinary, a testament to the profound impact of manager Igor Duljajs strategic acumen.

In the previous season, Partizan held a respectable fourth position in the league, a solid standing but not one that echoed the heights of their historical dominance.

Fast forward to the present season, and the team has undergone a seismic shift, emerging as the undisputed leaders, perched at the pinnacle of the league table.

This ascent to the top spot is a clear manifestation of their overperformance, surpassing the expectations set by the preceding campaign.

While the raw numbers show a slight dip in goals scored – from 68 in the last season to 44 in the current one after 19 matches – a more nuanced examination is required.

The expected goals (xGoals) metric, a measure of the quality of chances created, has also decreased from 64.55 to 44.89.

This suggests a similar efficient conversion of opportunities.

Their top transfer, Matheus Saldana, epitomised this effectiveness in front of goal.

The 24-year-old Brazilian striker, acquired for a relatively modest fee of 1.300.000€ from J2 League club JEF United Chiba, has been nothing short of a revelation.

Saldanas remarkable tally of 14 goals and five