Position: Centre-Back
Date of birth: February 14, 2009
Current Club: Teleoptik (on loan from Partizan)
Current International: Serbia U17
Height: 1.90 m
Foot: Left

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Vojin Marinković is one of the more interesting young centre-back prospects currently coming through the Partizan system. Born in 2009, the 1.90 m left-footed defender has already established himself within the Serbia U17 setup and has accumulated international youth experience.

His development has accelerated during 2026. Marinković was included in Partizan’s senior squad for UEFA Conference League qualification and made his senior European debut with a short appearance against UNA Strassen in July. He was subsequently made available to affiliate club Teleoptik in order to gain more regular senior football.

Marinković profiles as a modern, left-footed centre-back whose most interesting characteristics are his physical frame, comfort in possession and potential to become a progressive defender. His profile bears similarities to Alessandro Bastoni, particularly in the combination of size, left-footed distribution and the ability to contribute to the first phase of possession.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

First Touch & Ball Control

Shows a good technical foundation for a centre-back of his size. His left foot gives him a natural advantage when receiving on the left side of the defensive line and opening passing angles towards midfield.

He appears comfortable taking responsibility for the first pass rather than immediately looking for a clearance. Continued development under senior pressure will be important in determining how consistently he can maintain this quality.

Passing Quality

One of the most interesting elements of his profile.

Being naturally left-footed allows Marinković to provide a different angle during build-up, particularly when positioned as the left-sided centre-back. He has the technical foundation to play through midfield and can potentially develop into a defender capable of breaking the first pressing line with his passing. His long-range distribution is an area with considerable upside and could become one of the defining elements of his game.

Ball Carrying

Shows potential to become a progressive ball-carrying centre-back. His size gives him the ability to cover ground efficiently when stepping forward with possession.

Rather than needing to rely exclusively on passing, his profile allows him to advance into midfield when the opposition gives him space.

Defensive Technique

Good physical foundations for defensive duels. His height and reach give him an advantage when defending crosses and direct play.

At this stage, the main developmental focus should be improving the consistency of his timing and decision-making when stepping out of the defensive line.

Aerial Ability

His 1.90 m frame provides an obvious advantage in aerial situations. With further physical maturation and improved timing, he has the potential to become a dominant aerial defender.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Athleticism

Good physical base for a young centre-back. His height is complemented by sufficient mobility to operate in a modern defensive structure.

Height & Reach

At 1.90 m, his physical frame is one of the strongest assets of his profile. He has the potential to combine aerial presence with the technical qualities required of a modern ball-playing defender.

Strength

Still developing physically, as expected for a 17-year-old. Additional strength should help him become more dominant in shoulder-to-shoulder situations and when defending against experienced senior forwards.

Speed & Acceleration

His long-term development will depend partly on maintaining sufficient mobility as his physical development progresses. For a defender of his size, efficient positioning and anticipation will be particularly important.

Endurance

Good foundation for a centre-back expected to participate actively in possession and defensive transitions. Senior football will provide a better indication of his ability to maintain intensity over a full season.

TACTICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Positioning

Shows the physical and positional profile required to defend centrally while also having the potential to operate effectively on the left side of a back three.His height allows him to protect the penalty area, while his left foot provides a natural tactical fit on the left side of the defensive line.

Build-up Play

Potentially his most interesting tactical area.

Marinković’s left foot and composure in possession give him the profile of a centre-back who can participate actively in build-up rather than simply playing as a defensive stopper.In a three-man defensive structure, he could potentially be given additional freedom to carry the ball forward and support progression from the left side.

Progressive Passing

Has the profile to become an important line-breaking passer from defence. His left-footed delivery can naturally target midfielders between the lines or switch play towards the opposite flank.This is an area that should be developed aggressively as he moves into senior football.

Defensive Transitions

Needs to continue developing his ability to defend large spaces when his team loses possession higher up the pitch.His positioning and anticipation will be particularly important if he is developed in a high defensive line.

Role Versatility

Best suited as a left-footed centre-back in a back four or as the left centre-back in a back three. The latter role could particularly suit his profile, allowing him to combine defensive responsibility with greater freedom to progress the ball and move into wider areas.

MENTAL CHARACTERISTICS

Composure

His inclusion in Partizan’s senior European squad and early exposure to senior football suggest a player who has already gained the trust of the coaching staff despite his age. The next step is proving that same composure consistently when facing senior forwards and aggressive pressing.

Decision-Making

Still developing, as expected for a 17-year-old defender. His decision-making under pressure will be one of the most important areas to monitor during his loan spell at Teleoptik.

Confidence

The willingness to progress through the academy system, enter the senior environment and receive European minutes at such a young age indicates good confidence in his abilities.

Game Intelligence

His profile suggests the potential to develop into a defender who understands not only how to stop attacks, but also how to initiate them. This is particularly important for a left-footed centre-back, where his ability to recognise when to carry, pass vertically or switch play can significantly increase his value.

STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES & DEVELOPMENT AREAS

Strengths

• 1.90 m physical frame
• Naturally left-footed centre-back
• Strong potential as a ball-playing defender
• Good foundation for progressive passing
• Aerial potential
• Comfortable profile for the left side of a back three
• Early exposure to senior and European football
• High developmental ceiling

Weaknesses & Development Areas

• Physical strength still developing
• Needs consistent senior minutes
• Mobility and recovery defending need continued monitoring
• Must become more dominant in physical senior duels
• Progressive passing needs to become a consistent weapon rather than simply a potential attribute
• Needs experience defending against experienced forwards in open space