Aberdeen’s Slobodan Rubezic has the talent to be a “top defender” and “big name” in football, says centre-back partner Stefan Gartenmann.
And Danish stopper Gartenmann is determined to help the 6ft 4in centre-back reach his potential at Pittodrie.
Rubezic has been a regular starter since signing on a three-year deal from FC Novi Pazar during the summer transfer window.
The 23-year-old was secured for a fee of around £200,000 from the Serbian SuperLiga club.
Aberdeen have the option to add a fourth-year to Rubezic’s contract.
Rubezic’s form with the Dons has been rewarded with a debut senior call-up for Montenegro.
The Dons stopper is in the squad for Montenegro’s friendly with Lebanon on Thursday and a Euro 2024 group qualifier against Serbia next Tuesday.
Gartenmann, 26, reckons Rubezic has the raw materials to be a top-class defender.
And he and fellow experienced centre-back Richard Jensen, 27, are ready to give Rubezic the support and advice to reach that level.
Gartenmann said: “Ruby has everything to be a top defender.
“He is a good size, good in the air and decent on the ball.
“Ruby is a big name in the making if he gets the right support and playing time he needs.
“Richard and I are the older players and have played more than 400 games between us.
“We know what it takes.
“We just need to teach him to do the right things.
“It will come over time. He will learn.”
‘We can all see there is a lot of potential’
Rubezic has impressed in recent matches in the centre of a three man back-line, with Gartenmann and Jensen either side.
The Reds secured a clean-sheet in a 0-0 draw with St Johnstone before Rubezic jetted out to join the Montenegro squad.
Rubezic was a key performer for former club Novi Pazar last season when starting all but two of their league games.
He also captained the club on a number of occasions.
Gartenmann insists Rubezic is the one to “take care of the big strikers”, while he and Jensen offer pointers to him on aspects like his positioning.
He explained: “Ruby will learn a lot on his own, but Richard and myself are there to support him.
“When he goes out of position, we are there to tell him to get back.
“We can all see there is a lot of potential in him with his age.
“In a way, the three of us suit each other well.
“The experience is there and hopefully we can help Ruby to read the game better, because he can take care of those big strikers.”
Friendship among centre-backs
The first-choice back line of Gartenmann, Rubezic and Jensen were all secured in the summer as part of a defensive rebuild.
Gartenmann arrived on transfer deadline day on a season-long loan from Danish Superliga club FC Midtjylland.
Gartenmann says the bond between the trio is as strong off the pitch as on.
He said: “Richard and I are pretty much the same person and player.
“We both went to the Netherlands when we were young and came through the youth ranks there.
“And we also have the same interests.
“We are similar, and with Ruby, I also struck up a friendship with him as we have a common Serbian friend.
“He said good things about me and so from day one Ruby had that respect for me.
“Ruby is a good kid and he is the type of guy you can’t fail to love.”
Adapting to Scottish life and football
A former Danish under-21 international, Gartenmann has two years remaining on his contract with parent club FC Midtjylland.
Gartenmann has made an immediate impact at Aberdeen, including scoring the opener in the memorable 3-1 victory over Rangers at Ibrox.
A first Dons goal for Stefan 🇩🇰#StandFree pic.twitter.com/5BmHGwvPjl
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) September 30, 2023
He said: “Scotland is very different, but I feel the Scottish people are quite similar to the Danes.
“They are very calm and easy going.
“They have a good sense of humour.
“In many ways I feel I fit in very well.
“Everything is new – and I have to drive on the other side of the road.
“Apart from that, it has been a lot easier than I expected.”
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