Joveljic’s description of his chess style sounds a lot like a centre-forward explaining a counterattack.
“Even in chess, I like an aggressive style, and I like dynamic positions, open positions where I need to sacrifice some pieces to checkmate my opponents,” Joveljic said.
That is not the language of a passive player waiting for the game to come to him. It is the language of risk, timing and conviction - all traits that matter for strikers who live on split-second choices. The best forwards do not just finish moves; they anticipate them.
For a striker, decision-making is often the difference between a blocked shot and a clean finish. Chess cannot replicate the chaos of football, but it can sharpen habits that matter:
That link appears to fit Joveljic’s game. One report says only Denis Bouanga, Lionel Messi and Brian White have scored more MLS goals than him since 2023, underlining how productive he has been in front of goal.
The report also says Joveljic carries a rating above 2200 on a major online chess platform and has pushed much higher at his best.
“My highest is 2700, and right now I'm 2500+,” Joveljic said. “So on a good day, I'm 2500-plus, if I'm not playing well, I'm under. So yeah, it's definitely something interesting when someone can be top in both professions.”
That confidence is familiar. Strikers need it, whether they are facing a goalkeeper or staring at a crowded board.
With Sporting Kansas City trying to build momentum, Joveljic’s form will remain one of the most interesting storylines to watch. If his football keeps matching his chess brain, defenders around MLS will keep getting put in check.