Written by Matthew Pocrnić (@crotalentscout2 on X)
Croatia has built a reputation for developing world-class footballers, and the next generation is already making waves. With the 2025-26 season approaching, several young Croatian talents are on the verge of taking their careers to the next level, whether it’s moving to a stronger league, securing a bigger role at their club, breaking into the senior team of their club, or even earning a call-up to the national team. Some have outgrown their current teams, while others are waiting for the right opportunity to shine. So, who are the Croatian players ready for a big step next season?
Luka Vušković | Westerlo / Tottenham (18)
Luka Vušković is proving why he’s Croatia’s most exciting defensive prospect. On loan at Westerlo in the Belgian Pro League, he’s gained valuable first-team experience, playing 27 matches, starting all of them, and earning five Team of the Week selections. His seven goals (five headers) showcase his aerial dominance, while his 6.4 clearances per game and five clean sheets highlight his defensive reliability. Next season, he joins Tottenham, a club struggling defensively, where he could earn minutes sooner than expected. With his physical presence, composure, and set-piece threat, Vušković has the chance to be the next big Croatian star at Spurs, following in the footsteps of Luka Modrić. If he adapts quickly, he could establish himself as a long-term defensive leader for both Tottenham and Croatia.
Patrice Čović | Werder Bremen (17)
At just 17 years old, Patrice Čović is one of Croatia’s most promising young attacking midfielders. After impressing with Werder Bremen’s U19s, where he has scored 11 goals and provided 2 assists in 20 appearances, he has recently been promoted to the first team. While he has yet to make his Bundesliga debut, he has already been on the bench for several matches and is regularly training with the senior squad, suggesting that his first top-flight appearance is only a matter of time. Čović is also a key player for Croatia’s U19 national team, and if he continues his strong development, he could soon break into the U21s. With Werder Bremen showing faith in him, a Bundesliga debut soon could set him up for an even bigger role next season. If he can secure consistent first-team minutes, he will be another exciting Croatian midfield talent to watch.
Tino Kusanović | 1. FC Nürnberg (17)
Kusanović is a modern-day striker who combines speed, positioning, and physicality, making him a nightmare for defenders. His ability to time his runs and find space in the box has been key to his incredible goal-scoring form, with 28 goals in just 20 games in all competitions. Despite being just 17, he already possesses the strength to hold off defenders and the acceleration to exploit defensive gaps. With Stefanos Tzimas leaving for Brighton, a spot may open up in Nürnberg’s first team, and Kusanović could be next in line to step up. His finishing ability and instinct inside the box have drawn interest from Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen, proving that his talent is being recognized at the highest level. However, the next step in his development will be crucial, whether Nürnberg integrates him into their senior squad or opts for a loan move to further his growth. If he adapts quickly to the demands of professional football, Croatia could have another elite No.9 in the making, a position the national team has lacked in recent years. If he can translate his youth-level dominance to senior football, he could establish himself as one of Croatia’s most promising strikers for the future.
Bruno Durdov | Hajduk Split (17)
Durdov is a left-footed winger who made his first-team debut for Hajduk Split at just 16 years old, marking him as one of the club’s most exciting young prospects. He had a strong start to the season, showing flashes of his potential at the senior level, but his playing time has recently dropped under manager Gennaro Gattuso. Despite the dip in minutes, his talent hasn’t gone unnoticed. Club Brugge showed strong interest in signing him during the January transfer window, recognizing his potential as a future star. A move to Brugge this summer could be the ideal next step, as they are known for prioritizing young players and giving them opportunities to develop at a high level. If he secures a transfer and finds regular playing time, Durdov could establish himself as one of Croatia’s most promising wingers for the future, adding much-needed depth to a position where the national team has lacked options in recent years.
Krešimir Radoš | Dinamo Zagreb (17)
Radoš is a versatile talent who can play multiple positions, but he stands out the most as a defensive midfielder (No.6) and a striker. At 6’3″, he combines physical dominance, technical ability, and a natural goal-scoring instinct, making him one of the most exciting prospects in Dinamo Zagreb’s academy. He’s been a standout for Dinamo’s U17s, scoring 20 goals in the league this season, despite splitting time between midfield and attack. His mix of size, skill, and intelligence allows him to control the midfield while also being a serious attacking threat. He turned heads at the Adidas Flamengo Cup, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer, proving he can perform against top competition. While he might need one more season at the youth level, the return of B-team football in Croatia gives him the perfect chance to take the next step. If Dinamo moves him into their B team next season, he’ll get valuable experience against senior competition, putting him on the right path toward first-team football.
Roko Mijatović | Bayern Munich (17)
Mijatović is a versatile center-back with strong defensive awareness, excellent ball control, and a sharp first touch, making him one of Bayern Munich’s most promising young defenders. Despite being just 17, he’s already been a key part of Bayern’s U19 backline since he was 16, forming a strong partnership with fellow Croatian Ljubo Puljić. His composure on the ball and ability to read the game set him apart from most defenders his age. He’s stood out for Bayern’s youth teams, showing maturity beyond his years in defensive positioning and build-up play. If he keeps progressing at this rate, a first-team debut could come soon. The biggest thing he needs to work on is adding more size and physicality, but if he can develop that aspect of his game, he has the potential to be a key player for both Bayern Munich and Croatia’s defense for years to come.
Where is Jakriovic
Maybe we’re being unrealistically re Vuskovic being called up to Seniors
Dean Huijsen who has played 2000 minutes in PL at 19 yo this season (20 next month) is still being called up Spain U21
Huijsen has been outstanding in the PL and is a top CB target this summer – easily 50m, probably more (ie also worth more than Vuskovic today)
So if Spain ok not calling up Huijsen (especially in context of him being eligible for Netherlands – weird they haven’t tried again to hijack) than maybe it’s ok if we’re patient w Vuskovic and not rush him
It’s not like we were going to throw him to his lions and first cap being having to deal w Mbappe
A ridiculous take, Huijsen is trying to get a spot off Cubarsi, Torres, Martinez and Asencio whereas Vuskovic who’s trying to get a call up is trying to get a spot off Pongracic and DCC who are crap.
Huijsen would start for us not a problem.
As of today, livesoccertv.com has the Croatia-France match (March 20) listed as being on TV on Fox Sports 2 in the U.S. (game has for a long time been listed as being on DAZN in Canada).
It’s inevitable that some of these germoats eventually suit up for the German national team and turn into the next Philip lahmich …that’s going to sting!
Only two of the guys listed above are German-born.
Čović and Mijatović.
Roko Mijatović is the son of Andre Mijatović, who played for Rijeka and Dinamo. Roko was born in Germany (because Andre was playing there) and Andre is now an assistant coach with Hertha Berlin, so they’re there for his job. They probably would be in Croatia today if Andre wasn’t currently working there.
Patrice Čović is the son of Ante Čović, who was a promising Croatia U21 player from the 90s that never worked out and just became a career Hertha Berlin player (turned coach).
His kid Patrice may be more “German” since he’s only half Croatian, but since his dad is a former U21 player whose family are Gasterbeiters from Dalmatinska Zagora…my bet is on this kid being pushed hard to always choose Croatia.
As for Tino Kusanović…I’m not sure where he was born, but he does not have German citizenship.
He still “might” be born there (since Germany don’t have birthright citizenship), but he’s pretty much ineligible to ever play for Germany if he doesn’t get that citizenship soon (as he is racking up the caps for our junior NT).
Great post U14.
Anyone ever heard about Kustosija’s 18 y.o. striker Leo Bartolovic ?
MLS Charlotte just signed him
He’s not in U21 squad for upcoming Doha 2025
Nor does it look like he’s ever represented Croatia at any junior level
x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1900372696409493655
Hopefully Igor back for Europa QF vs Tottenham Hotspur April 10 😊
DCC came on 2nd half – his Lyon progress and face Man U in QF
Out of topic but I wonder if Mr Mourinho’s Fenabache would have done better in penalties if he played Livakovic
I was watching the match and when it went to the penalties TV focused on Livakovic and showed him taking his jacket off on the bench.
However, the TV than showed the Fenerbahçe goalkeeper on the pitch with his thumb up showing that he was OK for the penalties. In extra time the goalkeeper appeared to be injured and received medical attention.
He did save one penalty but could not do much with the others and I doubt if Livakovic would have done better ? although two of the Rangers spot kick’s were smashed right down the middle. Fenerbache were a bit unlucky and better on the night
That match shouldn’t have gone to penalty shoot-out, as VAR refused to review two obvious penalties that would have given Fenerbahce a chance to complete their comeback. Fenerbahce was by far the better team on the night. Egribayat is a good keeper and played well. By not putting Liva in for the shootout, Mourinho saved him from having to take any blame for the loss in the PKs. In any case, it was obviously the fault of Dusan Tadić and the last guy to shoot for Fenerbahce. If they had taken decent shots, the shootout would have kept going, and their team might have won
Thought they got robbed also. Channel I watched had Ally McCoist doing colour commentary and his level of pro-Rangers bias was …. sramota. It was like he was watching a different game entirely.
Thanks for the awesome info guys
Let’s hope!
Are all the Germans wanting to play for us??