FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Marko Perovic entered a different world when he left FC Basel in March to sign with the New England Revolution on a free transfer.
Life as he knew it in Switzerland didn't quite translate to the United States. There were no more bus trips to matches and no more nights spent operating on the left wing of a 4-3-3 formation. Throw in the language barriers for a Serbian operating in an English-speaking country and Perovic faced significant challenges when he opted to continue his career with the Revolution.
“It's not easy for me because I've changed from Europe,” Perovic told MLSsoccer.com on Thursday. “It's my first time in the United States and things are different. In my opinion, for this last six months, it's OK. I'm happy here.”
[inlinenode:314705]Like most foreign players, it took the 26-year-old Perovic a bit of time to adjust to his new surroundings. The former Red Star Belgrade midfielder spent most of the 2009/2010 campaign rooted to the bench for the perennial Swiss contenders, so he needed to bolster his fitness after missing much of training camp.
Perovic also had to adapt to the physical demands placed upon him on and off the field as he coped with the combative approach employed by MLS defenders and the expansive travel demands.
“It's quite an adjustment for foreign players coming here, particularly with the travel,” Revolution coach Steve Nicol said. “But I think what you're seeing now is the best of him. He's sharper and he's quicker. We just need to try to get him more of the ball.”
Despite a lack of service at times, Perovic has made a significant impact for the Revs. The left-footed Perovic often plays as a second striker and serves as the attacking conduit and the set-piece specialist. The relatively free role to roam into dangerous attacking spaces apparently suits him as he leads the team with six goals.
WATCH: Perovic pounces vs. Seattle
Perovic's progression to top form coincided with the arrival of fellow Serbian Ilija Stolica in July. Nicol integrated Stolica into the side quickly upon receiving clearance in August and soon established the duo as his first-choice strike tandem.
[inlinenode:304753]While Perovic and Stolica have combined to produce a goal on just one occasion (Stolica's tally in a 2-2 draw at FC Dallas on Sept. 22), they have added a much-needed dose of sharpness to a Revolution attack that has mustered just 29 goals on the season.
“For me, it's better because Ilija also speaks the same language,” Perovic said. “He understands me and I also understand what he wants. It's a little bit easier for me, but I also don't have any problems with Zack [Schilawski, Revolution forward] or [forward Kheli] Dube. Six months is not a lot of time, but it's a good time to [get settled with my teammates].”
As Perovic's first season in America winds to a close, he can't help but look toward next year. He hopes to improve his language skills during the offseason and wants to help push the Revs up the table as they attempt to rebound in 2011.
If the early returns are any indication, Perovic has what it takes to play a critical role for New England in the future, according to Nicol.
“I think you're always looking for a goal threat and he provides that,” Nicol said. “He's also provided goals as well, so obviously we're happy with him.”
