After helping Serbia win the U19 European Championship in 2013 and scoring 44 goals for Anderlecht in the next two seasons, Aleksandar Mitrovic looked set to have a very bright future. After all, there had just been a certain Mr Lukaku bagging them in for Anderlecht. Yet, five years later, Lukaku is one of the best centre-forwards in the world, while Mitrovic is seen like something of a misunderstood character.

Like Lukaku, Mitrovic also moved to the Premier League from the Belgian Pro League, signing for Newcastle United in 2015 for a reported £13 million. The Smederevo-born forward had a decent debut season in the league, scoring nine times in 34 appearances, but his career has failed to take off.

It's been nearly three years since Mitrovic's Premier League debut, where he was booked 22 seconds after coming on as a sub, and he's so far netted just 10 goals in the English top flight. He's only been a fringe player for the Magpies ever since Rafa Benitez took over as manager and most seem to have forgotten the talent, who was banging them in as an 18-year-old in European football.

However, 2018 could be the year when Mitrovic becomes a household name in European football once again. The 23-year-old had a very successful loan spell at Fulham to finish off 2017-18 and he's carried over his superb form to international football as well.

Mitrovic might've fallen off the radar during his time in England, but he's always been a valuable player for Serbia, playing an important part in the build-up play while also being a deadly finisher up front. He improved his international record to 17 goals in 39 games after scoring against Switzerland last Friday and with him on the field, the White Eagles are always a threat.

Fulham are interested in bringing Mitrovic back but don't be surprised if he pops up at a bigger club in 2018-19. The guy is clearly talented and also now seems to be more mature, which has helped his game grow. He might even be in the headlines for all the right reasons sooner than expected if Serbia somehow manages to shock Brazil in the final round of fixtures in Group E at the FIFA World Cup on Wednesday.