Krstović at the double: a Lete POTM encore in April!

Two clues make a proof: with a further push in his climb, Krstović continues his run all the way to the top of the Lete Player of the Month standings. After claiming the crown in January, the Montenegrin repeats the feat in April and, with one round to go in the regular season, draws level for the highest number of wins this season, setting his sights on overtaking and laying the groundwork ahead of the All Stars event in June.

Behind the leader, Marco Carnesecchi and Mario Pašalić take their place.

Joint top scorer for April alongside strike partner Gianluca Scamacca, it was Nikola who ultimately earned a clean sweep in the Player of the Month voting, doubling his tally and moving to the top of the Lete seasonal awards standings (level on points with Carnesecchi).

Fittingly, it was in the white kit that the Montenegrin showed his full killer instinct. First highlight: the Easter Monday brace-sealing goal at the Via del Mare in Lecce — a ground that had been his hunting territory for two seasons after his arrival in Italy — where he duly honoured football’s oldest rule: the ex always scores. Maintaining his momentum, he struck again away from home against another Giallorossi side, Roma, with the opener for Atalanta taking him into double figures for the league season.

To complete the picture, there was also his link-up play: swapping the white shirt back for Nerazzurri colours, Krstović showed another side to his game, turning provider for the seventh time this season by setting up Pašalić’s equaliser in the Coppa Italia.

After missing out in March, a now familiar name returns to the Player of the Month: with just two absences in eight editions so far — one of them in December, decided by a handful of votes — it is “Mr. POTM” himself Marco Carnesecchi who makes his way back into the ranks. A comeback in style for the number 29, who claims his third silver of the season, adding to an already outstanding honours list featuring two consecutive golds and a bronze.

Linking the top two spots on this month’s podium were decisive performances in their respective areas, delivered in the very same matches: Krstović’s goals were matched by Carnesecchi’s reliability between the posts. First in Lecce, keeping things locked at the back and securing yet another clean sheet, then at the Olimpico, where the Atalanta keeper was beaten only by an acrobatic effort from Hermoso. On four occasions the hosts tried to break through the wall built by the number 29, and on four occasions Marco shut the door on the Giallorossi — first denying Soulé and then Malen — proving to be true kryptonite for the Roma No.14 and earning Man of the Match honours.

We wrap things up with the evergreen Mario Pašalić. After teeing up Raspadori for Atalanta’s third in Lecce, Mario once again donned the superhero cape, tapping into his POTM connection with Krstović and his trademark knack for delivering on the big stage. His lightning-quick equaliser against Lazio forced extra time and swung the momentum of the semi-final, which the Croatian No.8 eventually lost only in the penalty shootout.

An honourable mention also goes to the sheer athleticism of his overhead kick in Cagliari, which could have added to the Split-born midfielder’s tally — and in some style.

Congratulations to the new Lete Player of the Month!