Expert advises NiKo should take on in-game leader role after the Major
Is it time for the Bosnian superstar to make the transition?
Despite not being confirmed yet, the blockbuster transfer of Nikola “NiKo” Kovac to Falcons seems to be a done deal by now.
Multiple reports indicate that the Saudi organization has secured the G2 superstar in a seven-figure deal, bringing him into a lineup that’s currently led by Danny “zonic” Sørensen.
NiKo to call?
And if you ask CS expert and analyst Janko “YNk” Paunović, NiKo should be the one to lead the team on the server as the in-game leader for the Saudi-backed roster when he joins in 2025.
YNk presented this case on the latest Talking Counter podcast, where he and the panel had a longer discussion about NiKo and Falcons.
- NiKo in-game leading, I think it’s time. I don’t care how well he’s playing, because he can still play really well as the IGL. The IGL market is so thin.
- For his sake at this stage in his career, just fucking do it, man. We are in MR12 now and he will have zonic as his coach. Then focus on game plans a bit more and build the structure in a way where it’s easier to call. You also make sure that you’re all on the same page, philosophy-wise, in how the team wants to react in certain situations, YNk said on the podcast.
YNk were once the head coach of NiKo when they both were at FaZe - Photo credit: BLAST
During the discussion, YNk elaborated on why it would be a good idea for NiKo by highlighting the Bosnian’s previous captains and some of their shortcomings.
- Look at NiKo’s last IGLs: Snax, HooXi, Aleksib, nexa and before that neo in FaZe. All of these have their pros and cons. But you have been making these concessions with these IGLs – obviously the main one with Snax and HooXi is the lower individual level in exchange of them leading and sacrificing some of their play for the betterment of the team. How many times have we not seen this in games? YNk said and continued:
- It’s very hard to hide these players’ deficiencies and it’s also hard not to affect you subconsciously in your rotation – “you know, you’re in a 4v4 on Mirage and Snax is alone on B, where is m0NESY going to go? He’s going to lean towards B, because he doesn’t have faith that Snax can make a solid play.”
NiKo has already taken on the role of in-game leader before. During his time with FaZe, he stepped into the position, once taking over responsibilities from Finn "karrigan" Andersen.
You can watch the full Talking Counter episode below.
