Rijeka have released Mexican trio Luis Delgadillo, Herbert Alferez and Carlos Gutierrez as they try to rebuild their team for the second half of the campaign. The moves allows them to pick up a new forward and creative midfield player. On their radar may be former player Antun Dunkovic who has impressed in the Belgian league with Mechelen and is now a free agent. Chonquin Lifan may also part with forwards Ivan Bosnjak and Zelimir Terkes should Rijeka send offers to the players. Both players are former leading scorers in HNL1 and would provide a more experienced front line. Deals for Hajduk Split forward Ahmad Sharbini and Krunoslav Lovrek would also give the side greater potency.
Meanwhile Dinamo Zagreb have allowed fans favorite and ex Argentine international Leandro Cufre to join Mexican club Atlas. Cufre, 33 played two season with Dinamo and will be remembered for his role in the teams historic 2-0 Europa Liga victory over Villareal. Cufre was also said to be influential in the development of Luis Ibanez who has been playing at left back, but more successfully at left wing. However Dinamo may be on a look out for a new defensive minded player with Slovan Liberec's Renato Kelic, Livorno's Dario Knezevic and Wolfsburg's Hjorve Cale all fitting targets for their ambitions.
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
HNL1 WINTER REVIEW
With Dinamo Zagreb out in front in the league it seems a case of a another routine Championship waltz for the team from the Croatian Capital. Hajduk Split appear a unhappy runners up with city neighbours RNK Split an annoying accompaniment in third place as things stand. Dinamo's main issue is Europe as they seem incapable of competing currently when they step outside of Croatia. What they can change in the winter transfer window is hard to see. The team they have now is more than equipped to bring them the Croatian title. Internationals such Jerko Leko, Milan Badelj, Nikola Pokrivac, Domagoj Vida and Ante Rukavina will use the rest of the season to push for a national team place. At present its hard to see any player moving to a bigger league from there Champions League exploits apart from Sime Vrsaljko and Fatos Beciraj. Both players could attract interest. Sammir, Ivan Tomecak, Ivan Krstanovic, Luis Ibanez Mario Situm and Arjan Ademi will also look to increase their reputations. However three players who may be on the exit door are Adrian Callelo who is a excess midfielder. Pedro Morales is talented but underused. Jakub Sylvestr meanwhile just has not made any impression and looks a bad recruit who needs offering back to clubs in the Czech Republic or to his native Slovakia. One player who Dinamo would want to keep is Mateo Kovacic who Dinamo fans would like to see blossom in the same way as Luka Modric did before going on to bigger things. Sammir, Badelj, Tomecak and Leko will now need to play support to him and allow the youngster to come through.
Two players who would interest the rest of the Croatian league are striker Andrej Kramaric and midfielder Matias Chago. Neither player has a place in Dinamo Zagreb as things stand. Chago would gain interest from Istra Pula where he excelled whilst Kramaric is a obvious candidate to take over from Nino Bule at Lokomotiva Zagreb for the next two seasons. Kramaric and Antun Palic may also intrigue NK Zagreb who are gaining little from there current forward line or midfield department. It is surprising Zagreb dont also apply effort to chase their former player Nino Bule to find the way to goal knowing Dinamo normally like to send their youngers down to Lokomotiva.
RNK Split are not likely to change much with everything working out just nicely. They would like to make a sale to balance the books, but whilst Josip Seradusic is injured, Ivica Krizanac remains their big name star. Neighbours Hajduk are currently assessing a squad filled with signings that have not worked out. Nikola Saric, Ivan Vukovic, Steven Lustica, Ljubo Milicevic and Josip Barisic have all flopped since arriving at the club. They also continue to get little out of Ahmad Sharbini and Mario Ticinovic. Anas has been slightly better, Drago Gabric is a excellant signing whilst Marin Tomasov has been the sides best player and could finally be ready to transfer to progress his career. Ante Vukusic hasn't kicked on from last season, but does provide some hope along with Ivan Lendric. New signings will be hard whilst Hajduk have so many failing players on there books. A experienced striker is neccessary especially if Tomasov moves. However Dinamo have some of the players Hajduk might have looked at such as Mehmad Alispahic and Ivan Krstanovic both of whom are strong HNL1 players but not key in Zagreb as of this moment. As Hajduk will be reluctant to send offers to Zagreb, they may fight for Zadar's Ivan Santini who may go abroad or Slaven Belupo's Leon Benko both of which would do damage to the selling clubs. Mate Bilic is no longer available having revived his Sporting Gijon career, same goes for Ergotelis's Mario Budimir and Teplice's Andrej Keric. Hajduk fans may wince at any more gambles made by the clubs management. If Tomasov goes one player who may not be a gamble is Lokeron's Ivan Leko who has over 200 appearences, medals and near 40 goals and over 50 assists from his time in the Belgian league. Verona's Sasa Bjelanovic would also bring a lot to the Hajduk forward line, not achieved by youngsters who are failing to make their mark.
Osijek and Slaven Belupo have both finally seen their investments pay off and are having decent season. Belupo's Kokalovic, Glavica, Busic, Milardovic, Mujanovic are just doing so much better this time out and have the squad to challenge for third place. Benko is the star of the team however and Belupo would need to keep him at the club. Failed spells at Nuremburg, Standard Liege and Kortrijk may make clubs wary however. Hajduk however may take a look at him. Osijek's president Robert Spehar brought in experienced men such as Goran Ljubojevic, Marko Babic, Ivo Smoje and these deals are now starting to work. However the club would like another sale with Tomislav Sorsa, Ivan Milicevic and Dino Gavric there prize assets. Osijek would also be expecting more from Dario Zahora having took a chance on the floating hitman earlier in the season.
Lokomotiva are also enjoying life a lot more this season with players such as Leonard Mesaric back on board to team up with Pivaric, Komorski, Skvorc and Antolic from Dinamo. One deal the club may have to do in time is to bring Croatia Under 21 striker Andrej Kramaric in who has been stagnating at Dinamo to replace Nino Bule who could be moved on at the end of the season after outstanding service. Below them is HNL1's problem club HNK Rijeka. Three seemingly pointless Mexican arrivals have not worked out in the same way Argentine Ramon Fernandes did. Midfielder Damir Krielach and Andro Srvluga remain the heart beat of the team and the side has simply not had a goalscorer since Ahmad Sharbini went to Hajduk. Ahmad is struggling in Split and simply belongs in Rijeka if the club had the finances. Bosko Balaban is also a ex Rijeka star and would excite fans if he were to return home, but the player has in the past commanded huge wages so would not appear realistic. Jeonboek Krunoslav Lovrek, Lifan's six goal midfielder Ivan Bosnjak and Zelimir Terkes may also be successful should Rijeka offer them options to return to Croatia.
Despite having a more difficult season Cibalia are likely to retain their HNL1 status with Dino Kresinger and Mladen Bartulovic in their attack. Zadar however could experience serious problems if as expected HNL1 top scorer Ivan Santini transfers this winter. Vedran Gerc did not work out and was released. Ivan Rodic is a free agent and could be chanced upon. Hajduk would meanwhile be more than willing to send away Ivan Pesic, Dzoni, Mario Jelavic and Nikola Saric to gain confidence should Zadar need to take players. Goran Jozinovic also has been down at Zadar before. Zadar are being chased currently by Istra Pula who in Henri Belle and Karlo Primorac do have forwards. Coach Igor Pamic may also target Karlovac striker Enes Novicic as his former club is in serious financial problems, whilst Matias Chago could also come back to Pula. The team is also looking for a playmaker and could send a loan offer for Antun Palic.
Two players who would interest the rest of the Croatian league are striker Andrej Kramaric and midfielder Matias Chago. Neither player has a place in Dinamo Zagreb as things stand. Chago would gain interest from Istra Pula where he excelled whilst Kramaric is a obvious candidate to take over from Nino Bule at Lokomotiva Zagreb for the next two seasons. Kramaric and Antun Palic may also intrigue NK Zagreb who are gaining little from there current forward line or midfield department. It is surprising Zagreb dont also apply effort to chase their former player Nino Bule to find the way to goal knowing Dinamo normally like to send their youngers down to Lokomotiva.
RNK Split are not likely to change much with everything working out just nicely. They would like to make a sale to balance the books, but whilst Josip Seradusic is injured, Ivica Krizanac remains their big name star. Neighbours Hajduk are currently assessing a squad filled with signings that have not worked out. Nikola Saric, Ivan Vukovic, Steven Lustica, Ljubo Milicevic and Josip Barisic have all flopped since arriving at the club. They also continue to get little out of Ahmad Sharbini and Mario Ticinovic. Anas has been slightly better, Drago Gabric is a excellant signing whilst Marin Tomasov has been the sides best player and could finally be ready to transfer to progress his career. Ante Vukusic hasn't kicked on from last season, but does provide some hope along with Ivan Lendric. New signings will be hard whilst Hajduk have so many failing players on there books. A experienced striker is neccessary especially if Tomasov moves. However Dinamo have some of the players Hajduk might have looked at such as Mehmad Alispahic and Ivan Krstanovic both of whom are strong HNL1 players but not key in Zagreb as of this moment. As Hajduk will be reluctant to send offers to Zagreb, they may fight for Zadar's Ivan Santini who may go abroad or Slaven Belupo's Leon Benko both of which would do damage to the selling clubs. Mate Bilic is no longer available having revived his Sporting Gijon career, same goes for Ergotelis's Mario Budimir and Teplice's Andrej Keric. Hajduk fans may wince at any more gambles made by the clubs management. If Tomasov goes one player who may not be a gamble is Lokeron's Ivan Leko who has over 200 appearences, medals and near 40 goals and over 50 assists from his time in the Belgian league. Verona's Sasa Bjelanovic would also bring a lot to the Hajduk forward line, not achieved by youngsters who are failing to make their mark.
Osijek and Slaven Belupo have both finally seen their investments pay off and are having decent season. Belupo's Kokalovic, Glavica, Busic, Milardovic, Mujanovic are just doing so much better this time out and have the squad to challenge for third place. Benko is the star of the team however and Belupo would need to keep him at the club. Failed spells at Nuremburg, Standard Liege and Kortrijk may make clubs wary however. Hajduk however may take a look at him. Osijek's president Robert Spehar brought in experienced men such as Goran Ljubojevic, Marko Babic, Ivo Smoje and these deals are now starting to work. However the club would like another sale with Tomislav Sorsa, Ivan Milicevic and Dino Gavric there prize assets. Osijek would also be expecting more from Dario Zahora having took a chance on the floating hitman earlier in the season.
Lokomotiva are also enjoying life a lot more this season with players such as Leonard Mesaric back on board to team up with Pivaric, Komorski, Skvorc and Antolic from Dinamo. One deal the club may have to do in time is to bring Croatia Under 21 striker Andrej Kramaric in who has been stagnating at Dinamo to replace Nino Bule who could be moved on at the end of the season after outstanding service. Below them is HNL1's problem club HNK Rijeka. Three seemingly pointless Mexican arrivals have not worked out in the same way Argentine Ramon Fernandes did. Midfielder Damir Krielach and Andro Srvluga remain the heart beat of the team and the side has simply not had a goalscorer since Ahmad Sharbini went to Hajduk. Ahmad is struggling in Split and simply belongs in Rijeka if the club had the finances. Bosko Balaban is also a ex Rijeka star and would excite fans if he were to return home, but the player has in the past commanded huge wages so would not appear realistic. Jeonboek Krunoslav Lovrek, Lifan's six goal midfielder Ivan Bosnjak and Zelimir Terkes may also be successful should Rijeka offer them options to return to Croatia.
Despite having a more difficult season Cibalia are likely to retain their HNL1 status with Dino Kresinger and Mladen Bartulovic in their attack. Zadar however could experience serious problems if as expected HNL1 top scorer Ivan Santini transfers this winter. Vedran Gerc did not work out and was released. Ivan Rodic is a free agent and could be chanced upon. Hajduk would meanwhile be more than willing to send away Ivan Pesic, Dzoni, Mario Jelavic and Nikola Saric to gain confidence should Zadar need to take players. Goran Jozinovic also has been down at Zadar before. Zadar are being chased currently by Istra Pula who in Henri Belle and Karlo Primorac do have forwards. Coach Igor Pamic may also target Karlovac striker Enes Novicic as his former club is in serious financial problems, whilst Matias Chago could also come back to Pula. The team is also looking for a playmaker and could send a loan offer for Antun Palic.
Friday, 9 December 2011
ONE STEP BACK OR A STEP FORWARDS
Nobody can deny that Dinamo Zagreb were resounding dumped out the Champions League having failed to win a match in their outings against Real Madrid, Ajax and Lyon. The latter of which they lost 7-1. However in qualifying for the competition did they take a step forward in their ambition to be a serious European side. Results would show they cannot compete in the Champions League. However can Dinamo hope to perform better now in Europa Liga competition.
At the start of the season bringing Tonel, Josip Simunic and Jerko Leko to the club who had all had strong spells abroad with Sporting Lisbon, Hertha Berlin and Dinamo Kiev respectively demonstrate Dinamo could attract decent players. Besides this Nikola Pokrivac arrived from Red Bull Salzburg where his form was in and out. A huge talent in Domagoj Vida came to plug central defence and talents Milan Badelj, Ivan Tomecak, Sime Vrsaljko, Luis Ibanez, Sammir, Pedro Morales and Mateo Kovacic were already at the club. Despite results one thing the current standard has not had is time to grow together having come in during different stages of the season, whilst Dinamo also chop and change their squad at club level to include Mario Situm, Adrian Callello and Arjan Ademi.
With coach Krunoslav Jurcic having gone, it would seem Dinamo need to find the basis for a team that can play consistently together. Consistency however would not appear the only requirement. Dinamo for example has a strong attack for HNL1, but Fatos Beciraj, Ante Rukavina and Ivan Krstanovic all struggled in higher level European football. Although all three are likely to stay for the rest of the season, Dinamo's hope would be in signing one proven forward from abroard. Although Dino Spehar, Andrej Kramaric and Situm are talents they are not ready until loaned out to Lokomotiva or given HNL1 run outs. Although the concept failed in the past with Tomislav Sokota, Dmitrios Papadopoulos and Bosko Balaban, Dinamo need to go back abroad for their goalpoacher.
Palermo's Igor Budan, Wolfsburg's Srdjan Lakic or Bayern Munich's Ivica Olic is as such the type of forward they must bring in. Budan would clearly come if a healthy contract was on the table, whilst Olic and Lakic probably would have other choices. Outside of that Andrej Keric is treading water in the Czech Republic having initially blown away the league at Slovan Liberec. A return home could benefit him. Dinamo also need to look at a left back and Hjorve Cale and Dario Knezevic could do a lot of good for the club and get themselves back into international reckoning having lost their way in Wolfsburg and Livorno.
To bank roll these moves Dinamo need another sale and the most likely asset is Sime Vrsaljko who could transfer for around 6-8 million. Fatos Beciraj is also a sellable asset for around 2m Euros and the club could also clear out Jakub Sylvestr, Callelo, Morales and Mehmed Alispahic at a push. Matias Chago, Kramaric and Antun Palic could also go out on loan.
At the start of the season bringing Tonel, Josip Simunic and Jerko Leko to the club who had all had strong spells abroad with Sporting Lisbon, Hertha Berlin and Dinamo Kiev respectively demonstrate Dinamo could attract decent players. Besides this Nikola Pokrivac arrived from Red Bull Salzburg where his form was in and out. A huge talent in Domagoj Vida came to plug central defence and talents Milan Badelj, Ivan Tomecak, Sime Vrsaljko, Luis Ibanez, Sammir, Pedro Morales and Mateo Kovacic were already at the club. Despite results one thing the current standard has not had is time to grow together having come in during different stages of the season, whilst Dinamo also chop and change their squad at club level to include Mario Situm, Adrian Callello and Arjan Ademi.
With coach Krunoslav Jurcic having gone, it would seem Dinamo need to find the basis for a team that can play consistently together. Consistency however would not appear the only requirement. Dinamo for example has a strong attack for HNL1, but Fatos Beciraj, Ante Rukavina and Ivan Krstanovic all struggled in higher level European football. Although all three are likely to stay for the rest of the season, Dinamo's hope would be in signing one proven forward from abroard. Although Dino Spehar, Andrej Kramaric and Situm are talents they are not ready until loaned out to Lokomotiva or given HNL1 run outs. Although the concept failed in the past with Tomislav Sokota, Dmitrios Papadopoulos and Bosko Balaban, Dinamo need to go back abroad for their goalpoacher.
Palermo's Igor Budan, Wolfsburg's Srdjan Lakic or Bayern Munich's Ivica Olic is as such the type of forward they must bring in. Budan would clearly come if a healthy contract was on the table, whilst Olic and Lakic probably would have other choices. Outside of that Andrej Keric is treading water in the Czech Republic having initially blown away the league at Slovan Liberec. A return home could benefit him. Dinamo also need to look at a left back and Hjorve Cale and Dario Knezevic could do a lot of good for the club and get themselves back into international reckoning having lost their way in Wolfsburg and Livorno.
To bank roll these moves Dinamo need another sale and the most likely asset is Sime Vrsaljko who could transfer for around 6-8 million. Fatos Beciraj is also a sellable asset for around 2m Euros and the club could also clear out Jakub Sylvestr, Callelo, Morales and Mehmed Alispahic at a push. Matias Chago, Kramaric and Antun Palic could also go out on loan.
Friday, 2 December 2011
CROATIA MAKE EURO'S
Croatia finally took their place in next years European Championships after defeating Turkey 3-0 in the play offs. Ironically the win buried the ghost of Euro 2008 where Croatia's most talented squad of the last decade shorn of star Eduardo Da Silva was defeated by their opponents on penalties after claiming three wins during the group campaign.
Ivica Olic came back in the nick of time to show he can still be a big threat and big help for Croatia and put in a hugely mobile attacking display alongside Mario Mandzukic. Nikica Jelavic, Nikola Kalinic and Ivan Klasnic have refound form at domestic level and will be good back up. Eduardo and Mladen Petric will also be fighting hard for their place. Ivan Perisic and Ivo Ilicevic are favorites to join Ivan Rakitic, Luka Modric and Niko Kranjcar as attacking midfielders in the squad, but don't rule out Mato Jajalo who is playing well with Koln. Milan Badelj would appear to need a transfer to step to the level. At present alongside Drago Gabric he stands to miss out.
Daniel Pranjic was recalled to the squad and may have a chance as Croatia only has Ognjen Vukojevic and Tomislav Dujmovic as reliable defensive midfielders. However he needs to switch clubs as out the picture at Bayern Munich. Pranjic can also cover left back. Dnipro's Ivan Strinic may need to do more to bed down his left back slot as could miss out with Vedran Corluka moving across to put in a hugely accomplished display there. Corluka is certain to travel and Dinamo Zagreb's Sime Vrsaljko and especially Domagoj Vida may now be trusted at right back allowing Corluka to switch position and Darijo Srna to move back onto the right wing where he has played his best football for Croatia.
Rather than making slots for players Coach Slaven Bilic may now be prepared to let his squad fight it out for roles in his side leaving Ivan Rakitic and Niko Kranjcar in direct competition for the left wing slot. In the long run when Croatia need to rotate this could prove in the countries interest. In attack there will be a scramble with Klasnic and Petric not likely to give up easy on one last chance to represent their country at a Euro finals. Both have the quality to rack up a high goalscoring tally this season with Klasnic already on 6 and Petric having started brightly at HSV.
If Croatia have a worry it is in central defence and central midfield. Luka Modric is the teams star, but alongside him Dujmovic and Vukojevic are no Niko Kovac still. In defence Josip Simunic is making gutsy displays to roll back the years when he played alongside Igor Tudor, Robert Kovac and Dario Simic. However Croatia now longer have centre backs of that quality. Dejan Lovren's performances at club and international level are in and out despite the fact he is a talent. Gordon Schildenfeld has done well when called upon, but he is playing week to week in the German second Division despite being with the leaders Eintract Frankfurt. It is likely Croatia will have to go to the finals without a top rate centre back and that will be there weakness. Rostov's Stipe Pletikosa between the sticks is also welcome.
If there were to be any surprise packages in Croatia's squad it is only likely to be in the form of central midfielder Jerko Leko who can offer experience or Hertha Berlin's captain Andre Mijatovic. Manuel Pamic as alternative left back also stands a chance as is strong at Sparta Prague. The only other player really making waves is Darko Bodul with 10 goals already this season, but this is in the Austrian league.
Ivica Olic came back in the nick of time to show he can still be a big threat and big help for Croatia and put in a hugely mobile attacking display alongside Mario Mandzukic. Nikica Jelavic, Nikola Kalinic and Ivan Klasnic have refound form at domestic level and will be good back up. Eduardo and Mladen Petric will also be fighting hard for their place. Ivan Perisic and Ivo Ilicevic are favorites to join Ivan Rakitic, Luka Modric and Niko Kranjcar as attacking midfielders in the squad, but don't rule out Mato Jajalo who is playing well with Koln. Milan Badelj would appear to need a transfer to step to the level. At present alongside Drago Gabric he stands to miss out.
Daniel Pranjic was recalled to the squad and may have a chance as Croatia only has Ognjen Vukojevic and Tomislav Dujmovic as reliable defensive midfielders. However he needs to switch clubs as out the picture at Bayern Munich. Pranjic can also cover left back. Dnipro's Ivan Strinic may need to do more to bed down his left back slot as could miss out with Vedran Corluka moving across to put in a hugely accomplished display there. Corluka is certain to travel and Dinamo Zagreb's Sime Vrsaljko and especially Domagoj Vida may now be trusted at right back allowing Corluka to switch position and Darijo Srna to move back onto the right wing where he has played his best football for Croatia.
Rather than making slots for players Coach Slaven Bilic may now be prepared to let his squad fight it out for roles in his side leaving Ivan Rakitic and Niko Kranjcar in direct competition for the left wing slot. In the long run when Croatia need to rotate this could prove in the countries interest. In attack there will be a scramble with Klasnic and Petric not likely to give up easy on one last chance to represent their country at a Euro finals. Both have the quality to rack up a high goalscoring tally this season with Klasnic already on 6 and Petric having started brightly at HSV.
If Croatia have a worry it is in central defence and central midfield. Luka Modric is the teams star, but alongside him Dujmovic and Vukojevic are no Niko Kovac still. In defence Josip Simunic is making gutsy displays to roll back the years when he played alongside Igor Tudor, Robert Kovac and Dario Simic. However Croatia now longer have centre backs of that quality. Dejan Lovren's performances at club and international level are in and out despite the fact he is a talent. Gordon Schildenfeld has done well when called upon, but he is playing week to week in the German second Division despite being with the leaders Eintract Frankfurt. It is likely Croatia will have to go to the finals without a top rate centre back and that will be there weakness. Rostov's Stipe Pletikosa between the sticks is also welcome.
If there were to be any surprise packages in Croatia's squad it is only likely to be in the form of central midfielder Jerko Leko who can offer experience or Hertha Berlin's captain Andre Mijatovic. Manuel Pamic as alternative left back also stands a chance as is strong at Sparta Prague. The only other player really making waves is Darko Bodul with 10 goals already this season, but this is in the Austrian league.
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
CROATIANS PLAYERS UPDATE
After a disappointing Euro 2012 qualifying campaign to date, Croatia has been undergoing change within the squad. Ivo Ilicevic, Nikica Jelavic, Dejan Lovren and Ivan Perisic are all welcome additions to the squad, but are yet to make their mark in a international shirt.
Besides Eduardo Da Silva's injury now over 3 years ago has made it hard for him to lead the attack and responsibility has had to be handed over with himself and Niko Kranjcar playing the supporting forward role. Jelavic has been a strong player in the Scottish league for Rangers, but needs to prove himself against top opposition. Nikola Kalinic as yet is most useful as substitute and Mario Mandzukic who has improved at Wolfsburg is still not trustworthy.
As for the squad players Srdjan Lakic has lost his way since going to Wolfsburg from Kaiserslautern. Although the player needed to switch clubs, Wolfsburg would appear the wrong fit with Mandzukic and Patrick Helmes preferred to him. It is disappointing that the old guard of Ivica Olic and Mladen Petric have dropped off. Olic needs to switch clubs from Bayern Munich where he has been successful. Nevertheless they now are looking to younger guys and Olic may return for one last venture with the national team if he gets a new club that suits him. Going back to Hamburg or to Russia would not be a bad thing for him. Should Dinamo Zagreb get him it would be a massive boost for the currently lightweight Croatian Champions.
Petric is still doing what Petric does for Hamburg, but some bad performances for Croatia encouraged Bilic to drop him from the squad. Similarly Daniel Pranjic, like Olic must leave Bayern and prove himself again. Unjustifiable perhaps he was dropped off the squad. Jerko Leko and Nikola Pokrivac improved their chances by going back to Dinamo, but its not expected they will return any time immediately. Milan Badelj is instead being looked at, but is no holding midfielder. Its essential Ivan Rakitic gets fit again.
One bright spark has been Mato Jajalo at Cologne. Ivica Vrdoljak is also still doing well at Legia Warsaw after a brilliant first season. Darko Bodul has also had a boost since going to Rapid Vienna. Both Vrdoljak and Bodul need to do it at bigger clubs. Petar Sliskovic at St Pauli, Boris Vukcevic at Hoffenheim and Matija Smrekar at Charleroi are as yet unproven talents.
There is in fact not much going on with Croatian players abroad. Igor Budan looks ready for Serie B or home at Palermo. Sasa Bjelanovic is still lending a helping hand in Serie B clubs, currently with 2 goals on board for Verona. Mate Bilic is out the picture at Sporting Gijon. Bosko Balaban also looks about finished at Pananios. Ivan Klasnic is giving his maximum with Bolton Wanderers, but this only masks the lack of young players doing it from Croatia just now.
Forwards actually doing okay currently are at home in Croatia. Zadar's Ivan Santini looks to have a career ahead of him. Leon Benko has got better whilst at Slaven Belupo and Ante Vukusic is still one to watch at Hajduk and Ante Rukavina is having a better season with Dinamo than last time out. Mateas Delic has not got much better at Gangwon however and could be heading home soon with Jeonbuk's Krunoslav Lovrek, who did well out in the Far East. Daniel Cesarec has struggled with Aris and Andrej Keric's loan to Teplice from Sparta is a step backwards. Mario Budimir has been steady at Egotelis but needs to go to the next level.
Besides Eduardo Da Silva's injury now over 3 years ago has made it hard for him to lead the attack and responsibility has had to be handed over with himself and Niko Kranjcar playing the supporting forward role. Jelavic has been a strong player in the Scottish league for Rangers, but needs to prove himself against top opposition. Nikola Kalinic as yet is most useful as substitute and Mario Mandzukic who has improved at Wolfsburg is still not trustworthy.
As for the squad players Srdjan Lakic has lost his way since going to Wolfsburg from Kaiserslautern. Although the player needed to switch clubs, Wolfsburg would appear the wrong fit with Mandzukic and Patrick Helmes preferred to him. It is disappointing that the old guard of Ivica Olic and Mladen Petric have dropped off. Olic needs to switch clubs from Bayern Munich where he has been successful. Nevertheless they now are looking to younger guys and Olic may return for one last venture with the national team if he gets a new club that suits him. Going back to Hamburg or to Russia would not be a bad thing for him. Should Dinamo Zagreb get him it would be a massive boost for the currently lightweight Croatian Champions.
Petric is still doing what Petric does for Hamburg, but some bad performances for Croatia encouraged Bilic to drop him from the squad. Similarly Daniel Pranjic, like Olic must leave Bayern and prove himself again. Unjustifiable perhaps he was dropped off the squad. Jerko Leko and Nikola Pokrivac improved their chances by going back to Dinamo, but its not expected they will return any time immediately. Milan Badelj is instead being looked at, but is no holding midfielder. Its essential Ivan Rakitic gets fit again.
One bright spark has been Mato Jajalo at Cologne. Ivica Vrdoljak is also still doing well at Legia Warsaw after a brilliant first season. Darko Bodul has also had a boost since going to Rapid Vienna. Both Vrdoljak and Bodul need to do it at bigger clubs. Petar Sliskovic at St Pauli, Boris Vukcevic at Hoffenheim and Matija Smrekar at Charleroi are as yet unproven talents.
There is in fact not much going on with Croatian players abroad. Igor Budan looks ready for Serie B or home at Palermo. Sasa Bjelanovic is still lending a helping hand in Serie B clubs, currently with 2 goals on board for Verona. Mate Bilic is out the picture at Sporting Gijon. Bosko Balaban also looks about finished at Pananios. Ivan Klasnic is giving his maximum with Bolton Wanderers, but this only masks the lack of young players doing it from Croatia just now.
Forwards actually doing okay currently are at home in Croatia. Zadar's Ivan Santini looks to have a career ahead of him. Leon Benko has got better whilst at Slaven Belupo and Ante Vukusic is still one to watch at Hajduk and Ante Rukavina is having a better season with Dinamo than last time out. Mateas Delic has not got much better at Gangwon however and could be heading home soon with Jeonbuk's Krunoslav Lovrek, who did well out in the Far East. Daniel Cesarec has struggled with Aris and Andrej Keric's loan to Teplice from Sparta is a step backwards. Mario Budimir has been steady at Egotelis but needs to go to the next level.
Monday, 25 April 2011
CONSIDERING THEIR FUTURE
NIKO KRANJCAR Aged 26, Kranjcar is at a pivotal point in his career for club and country. The highly skillful playmaker has experienced moderate success during his time with Dinamo Zagreb, Hajduk Split, before impressing at Portsmouth and lately at Tottenham Hotspur. However to reach the level of a top player, Kranjcar needs a place in the first team at a strong club and is looking at his options. Only a player of the year performance by Gareth Bale has prevented Kranjcar from figuring much for Spurs this season. However Kranjcar is likely to attract interest from Aston Villa, Liverpool and others in England, plus Werder Bremen in Germany and also has interest in Italy so a move could be highly possible this summer.
MATE BILIC Although Mate Bilic has been part of the success story of Sporting Gijon in the last 3 years, this season he has been out of the picture. With Gijon yet again likely to retain their top flight status their is little room for Bilic who at 31 needs to move on. Although moves to Hajduk Split and RNK Split have been mooted, it is possible Bilic may sacrifice international football and return to playing in the Segunda Liga where he experienced success with Almeira, Gijon amongst others. Bilic is still contracted and a foriegn club is unlikely to pay compensation with the Croatia forward valued at 1m Euro's so any move is likely to be a loan.
DANIEL PRANJIC Despite being consistently rumoured to be on the exit door of Bayern Munich, the German champions have never been so revolutionary as to cut the squad so drastically. Pranjic is still a useful squad player for Bayern and new coach Jupp Heynckes may be tempted to keep the 29 year old Croatian international, whilst Arjan Robben and Frank Ribery have patchy fitness records. Pranjic has far from flattering interest from Feyenord, but must believe he can recieve a better offer.
MILAN BADELJ Whilst Sammir, Pedro Morales and Ante Rukavina endured quiet second halfs to the Croatian league campaign, Milan Badelj emerged to guide Dinamo to yet another league title victory. Despite a slow start to the season and a far from impressive beginning to his international career with Croatia, there is enough talent in the 22 year old midfielder to be worked upon. Such as in the case of ex Osijek defender Domagoj Vida, Badelj may well be recruited with Bayer Leverkusen a possible option or French club Olympic Lyon who are more than satisfied with how Dejan Lovren progressed after arriving from the Croatian capital.
ANTE VUKUSIC Despite a strong season in Croatia, Vukusic is far from ready for a big club and needs to develop. However the 19 year old needs to consider if staying in Split will help his development whilst the team continues to be under pressure from their fans in the shadow of being runners up to rivals Dinamo Zagreb. Vukusic may be best advised unloading that responsibility to a experienced player like Mate Bilic or Ivan Krstanovic and considering a switch to a Russian, German or Ukrainan club. Vukusic's main asset is his pace and getting into good positions to score. He is still raw talent, but a move to the right club could see him become a highly improved player.
IVAN TOMECAK Whilst Dinamo may look to hold onto Ivan Tomecak, for the player himself he may experience a step to the next level if he gained the right transfer. Tomecak is a more than handy right sided midfielder who is ready for the step up to the Russian league or in the Bundesliga. The Croatia Under 21 player has seen his impact this season reduced by injury, but has come back in time to help Dinamo over the finish line. For Croatia Tomecak is already as good as effective Turkish league based player Drago Gabric and long term could compete with Domagoj Vida and Sime Vrsaljko as reputy to Dario Srna.
IVAN KLASNIC Although Klasnic still has a year left on his Bolton contract, the 31 year old will consider if playing substitute satisfies his expectations. In the past Klasnic was targetted by numerous Bundesliga clubs, but after the improvement in the fortunes of Hanover, Numerburg, Kaiserslautern, Hoffenheim and Mainz, Klasnic may well become a target for a return to Germany at a club willing to give him more first team action. Johan Elmander is yet to acquire a new contract, but manager Owen Coyle is looking for a new number 9 with Daniel Sturridge and Carlos Vela both on his target list.
IVAN KRSTANOVIC After a highly impressive season in HNL1 with NK Zagreb, Bosnian forward Ivan Krstanovic will be hot property in the summer. Hajduk Split had previously balked at the idea of buying the player whilst Ahmad Sharbini was still on the books. However Ahmad is frustrated at how his Hajduk career has gone and Krstanovic would seem a more than worthwhile replacement. Krstanovic is a tall physical forward who could link up well with a more nimble number 9 like Ante Vukusic or Duje Cop. Hajduk also may well be in the hunt for Ivan Santini, although Ivan Lendric may be afforded a chance in the team when he returns from his loan.
MATE BILIC Although Mate Bilic has been part of the success story of Sporting Gijon in the last 3 years, this season he has been out of the picture. With Gijon yet again likely to retain their top flight status their is little room for Bilic who at 31 needs to move on. Although moves to Hajduk Split and RNK Split have been mooted, it is possible Bilic may sacrifice international football and return to playing in the Segunda Liga where he experienced success with Almeira, Gijon amongst others. Bilic is still contracted and a foriegn club is unlikely to pay compensation with the Croatia forward valued at 1m Euro's so any move is likely to be a loan.
DANIEL PRANJIC Despite being consistently rumoured to be on the exit door of Bayern Munich, the German champions have never been so revolutionary as to cut the squad so drastically. Pranjic is still a useful squad player for Bayern and new coach Jupp Heynckes may be tempted to keep the 29 year old Croatian international, whilst Arjan Robben and Frank Ribery have patchy fitness records. Pranjic has far from flattering interest from Feyenord, but must believe he can recieve a better offer.
MILAN BADELJ Whilst Sammir, Pedro Morales and Ante Rukavina endured quiet second halfs to the Croatian league campaign, Milan Badelj emerged to guide Dinamo to yet another league title victory. Despite a slow start to the season and a far from impressive beginning to his international career with Croatia, there is enough talent in the 22 year old midfielder to be worked upon. Such as in the case of ex Osijek defender Domagoj Vida, Badelj may well be recruited with Bayer Leverkusen a possible option or French club Olympic Lyon who are more than satisfied with how Dejan Lovren progressed after arriving from the Croatian capital.
ANTE VUKUSIC Despite a strong season in Croatia, Vukusic is far from ready for a big club and needs to develop. However the 19 year old needs to consider if staying in Split will help his development whilst the team continues to be under pressure from their fans in the shadow of being runners up to rivals Dinamo Zagreb. Vukusic may be best advised unloading that responsibility to a experienced player like Mate Bilic or Ivan Krstanovic and considering a switch to a Russian, German or Ukrainan club. Vukusic's main asset is his pace and getting into good positions to score. He is still raw talent, but a move to the right club could see him become a highly improved player.
IVAN TOMECAK Whilst Dinamo may look to hold onto Ivan Tomecak, for the player himself he may experience a step to the next level if he gained the right transfer. Tomecak is a more than handy right sided midfielder who is ready for the step up to the Russian league or in the Bundesliga. The Croatia Under 21 player has seen his impact this season reduced by injury, but has come back in time to help Dinamo over the finish line. For Croatia Tomecak is already as good as effective Turkish league based player Drago Gabric and long term could compete with Domagoj Vida and Sime Vrsaljko as reputy to Dario Srna.
IVAN KLASNIC Although Klasnic still has a year left on his Bolton contract, the 31 year old will consider if playing substitute satisfies his expectations. In the past Klasnic was targetted by numerous Bundesliga clubs, but after the improvement in the fortunes of Hanover, Numerburg, Kaiserslautern, Hoffenheim and Mainz, Klasnic may well become a target for a return to Germany at a club willing to give him more first team action. Johan Elmander is yet to acquire a new contract, but manager Owen Coyle is looking for a new number 9 with Daniel Sturridge and Carlos Vela both on his target list.
IVAN KRSTANOVIC After a highly impressive season in HNL1 with NK Zagreb, Bosnian forward Ivan Krstanovic will be hot property in the summer. Hajduk Split had previously balked at the idea of buying the player whilst Ahmad Sharbini was still on the books. However Ahmad is frustrated at how his Hajduk career has gone and Krstanovic would seem a more than worthwhile replacement. Krstanovic is a tall physical forward who could link up well with a more nimble number 9 like Ante Vukusic or Duje Cop. Hajduk also may well be in the hunt for Ivan Santini, although Ivan Lendric may be afforded a chance in the team when he returns from his loan.
Saturday, 9 April 2011
STRIKERS WITH POINTS TO PROVE
Despite numerous options, Croatia find themselves struggling to find a striker to make the number 9 shirt firmly there own. After Nikola Kalinic failed to impress against Georgia, Nikica Jelavic played the friendly with France, but was similarly anonymous. Bilic's has been attempting to build the next generation of strikers, but Croatia still appear in need of Ivica Olic, Eduardo Da Silva and potentially Ivan Klasnic, whilst new arrivals in the squad adjust to international football. With Mario Mandzukic and Nikola Kalinic struggling to hold down regular places at Wolfsburg and Blackburn Rovers respectively, Jelavic who is a Rangers star forward would appear to have a head start. The 25 year old clearly needs time to fit in with Croatia's style of play. If fully fit and scoring it appears Bayern Munich's Olic is still Croatia's star man. Having lost pace Eduardo will compete with Ivan Perisic who impressed against France in support striking roles.
Slaven Bilic currently dismissed Ivan Klasnic for international matches. However Klasnic has been the most effective Croatian forward in the English Premier League, continually putting points on the board for his club with important goals. Whilst Klasnic, who scored twice in Euro 2008 is proven in European and domestic competition Mandzukic and Srdjan Lakic struggled of late. Mandzukic, Lakic and Kalinic will all need better seasons next year to convince Slaven Bilic they should be in the reckoning.
Mate Bilic also may feel hard done by to be dropped, but needs to depart Sporting Gijon in order to pick up regular football, even if back at Hajduk Split. Only a monster season could see him come back into the fold. In reserve Dinamo Zagreb's Ante Rukavina, Ergotelis's Mario Budimir, Sparta Prague's Andrej Keric and Aris Salonika's Daniel Cesarec have been nothing special this season. Sasa Bjelanovic of Atalanta and Igor Budan of Cesana may be in line for HNL1 after goals dried up. Keric and Budimir still have potential but need to do more.
Arminia Bielfeld's Josip Tadic has shown signs of improvement, whilst Hajduk's Ante Vukusic has had a strong season, but still has much to prove at high level football. Whilst Mario Gavranovic chose Switzerland over Croatia, all is not neccessary lost as young Croatian Under 21 player Petar Sliskovic shows signs of potential at Mainz, as does Hoffenheim's Boris Vukcevic.
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