The Serbian international joined the Magpies from Anderlecht this summer, a deal which has been widely praised by onlookers considering his talent and wonderful potential.
Mitrovic can be described as a natural goal-scorer with quick feet and excellent movement for his size, yet boss Steve McClaren has been most impressed with another one of his defining attributes.
Speaking ahead of the Geordies’ clash with Southampton, the former Derby County coach has highlighted the 20-year-old’s aggression and physicality – comparing him with Chelsea hitman Diego Costa.
“He has an edge, doesn’t he? He flippin’ does. ‘I like conflict, I like’. He has that bit of Diego Costa. He likes physicality. There aren’t many who are like that now,” McClaren explained to The Sun.
“You can see it in training, he likes that physical contact. He doesn’t skulk around the training ground, he’s always smiling. But he’s got those assassin’s eyes. He’s Serbian and he’s an ‘ic’. Be careful.”
But was it controlled aggression - because the player was very nearly sent-off after just 30 seconds of appearing on the field, replacing Papiss Cisse as a 75min substitute.
Having an aggressive edge is one thing, yet Mitrovic needs to be careful in order to keep it controlled.