Serie A side Atalanta will host Bayern Munich in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League later today. It would be fair to point out Lazar Samardzic’s campaign, especially after the season he has had in Europe.

So far, the attacking midfielder has racked up three goals in the competition. His penalty against Borussia Dortmund was taken impeccably two weeks ago, sending Atalanta through to where they find themselves.

Before that too, the Serbian was key. He had scored the all-important late winner against Marseille. That didn’t just play a role in taking Atalanta through but indirectly contributed to the French side’s knockout later in the Champions League.

Against Club Brugge too, Samardzic found the net when the Belgian side were 1-0 up. This helped La Dea turn things around, again ensuring them of possible progress.

Remarkably, Samardzic is fifth in the competition for movement with the ball that has led to a goal or a chance (2.71). He is behind only Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Kylian Mbappe. That says everything that needs to be known about the 24-year-old, who is also proving detractors wrong on the way.