Written by: Andrew R
Saturday’s Super Cup Final saw Dinamo hold onto a 1-0 finish against last season’s Croatian Cup champions, Hajduk Split. With the upcoming season less than a week away, many fans have been questioning Dinamo’s comfort as long standing HNL champions. With many star players such as Livaković, Petković and others rumored to be heading out the door, that comfort seemed to be slowly fading away. However, when Dinamo stepped onto the pitch they were ready for the challenge and proved to everyone that they are still the team to beat in Croatia.
But for some, Saturday’s performance does not do enough. Despite bringing in Perković and Bernauer, many fans feel other clubs have done more. Hajduk has made many top tier signings according to some, Rijeka has brought in talent to make up for the season prior, and Osijek has done ‘under the radar’ business that always lets the underdog club compete. With a real possibility for a 4-horse race this season in the HNL, many are asking the question: Was Saturday night’s Super Cup win the beginning of the end of Dinamo dominance?
With all the uncertainty in the air about Dinamo’s future, where do you think they will finish compared to the other Top 4 in the HNL this season?
What’s going on with sutalo?
How is this guy who looks like could be gvardi level still at Dinamo??
Just not getting the offer Dinamo wants??
He is what a quarter of the price or less than gvardi?
He is definitely not a quarter of the player
Hopefully what I read a few weeks ago is true: RB Leipzig are interested in Sutalo, but have to wait for the Gvardiol deal to be signed.
So baturina seems like a legit guy to take over our midfield and potentially the next guy who has the ability to become world class
I hate throwing that word around on here
I know he has been talked about for a while now but it’s good to see there is fire with this smoke
Who could be the “next one” after baturina to potentially hit the next level?
The guy with above average skill and intense work rate like baturina
We just need a bloody above average striker who is similar to that … any day now… anyone, please!
Next one might be Zvonarek imo
He seems to be on the right development path at Bayern II. Barely 18 years old.
Bayern developed Josip Stanišić for us, and currently have Zvonarek and Vidović in their ranks.
There are a couple other Croats in their ranks as well, but these are the big prospects for our National Team.
Vidović’s loan at Vitesse has ended, so I’m curious to see where he ends up this season.
BIG NEWS BOYS:
@FabrizioRomano
EXCLUSIVE: Joško Gvardiol to Man City, here we go! Agreement reached on the fee between City and Leipzig 🔵🇭🇷
🚨 Understand Gvardiol has completed the first part of medical tests today — deal on the verge of being signed.
Gvardiol agreed personal terms one month ago with City.
in my opinion, this Dinamo has lost some of its goal scoring opportunities when they lost Orsic. he was always looking to create chances and score goals…they haven’t replaced him with any good options. Ivanusec is a great two way, responsible player but he’s not a prolific goal scorer. Spikic on the right side is very hot and cold…some games he just looks invisible. its hard to tell whether Emreli and Drmic can really add to the attack, they don’t seem to have much trust in them from Biscan.
In Saturday’s game, Dinamo really did control a majority of the play, Hajduk was very dangerous in the first half on counter attacks but other than that, I really didn’t feel they were dangerous. I was reading through some articles and some said it wasn’t easy for Hajduk to play considering Dinamo wouldn’t open up…which is kinda silly if you ask me, Dinamo will most likely try to maintain possession and make their opponents take risks…thats the strategy.
based on the beginning of last season and comparing it to this season there is one very obvious detail that makes Dinamo special…its Baturina! early in the season last year, Baturina was trying to do too much on his own, often losing balls and making mistakes based on forcing the play. this year so far he’s already improved a ton over last and he’s far more dominant and confident on the ball…I honestly feel like he’s going to be better than Sucic…he’s already dominating in the HNL and it won’t be long before he’s also dominating in some other league.
I went to watch a soccer game here in Vancouver (U18 Vancouver Croatia) and Niko Sigur’s dad was there…we talked about Niko and then we discussed Niko’s time with the U21’s…he told me Niko said Baturina is the first kid on the field and the last to leave for every practice. he also mentioned that Baturina is head and shoulders above everyone from all teams…he’s always in control of the tempo of the game and the kid has incredible skills….
with all that said, I’m not convinced Dinamo will be as dominant this year, I’m hoping to see surprises in the league and I also think it might be tough for Dinamo if they do well in Europe, that’ll make their schedule tougher for the HNL.
Good to hear that Baturina has a good work ethic. That will ensure that he does take it to that next level.
I agree that he will be better than Sučić, especially after Sučić’s injury setback.
Transfermarkt has their value at about the same already, which is pretty remarkable considering how much more exposure Sučić has had over Baturina. I know Transfermarkt valuations may not mean much, but it’s at least something to measure and compare.
Martin has had a coming out party, and is gunning to surpass guys like Sučić and Majer already. Broz had better not relax out there in the desert.
Who takes over for Livaković?
Nevistic I guess
Roll out orsic petko and baturina for a super three sub change when we need some spark in the last twenty mins of a game
Love it. To see Baturina and Petko together live , they have a real good one -two.
Dinamo is going to win the league in third gear just like last season (I’m a Hajduk fan btw)
There is a lot of talk that Petkovic, Ivanusec and Sutalo will follow Livakovic and leave the club during this summer transfer window.
If this happens?? Hajduk has a chance.
I don’t wanna hear of “Dinamo Dominance” until they get past the group stage in champion’s league
Was at the game . Baturina and Petkovic had some strange energy together . Not saying these guys can do some business for HNS but Baturina either had the ball or was getting the ball. Would be pretty close to see who is faster Baturina or Orsic but the kid can go at top speed dribbling with the ball something HNS doesn’t have alot of . Was a pretty good game for Croatian League. The fans are way more entertaining than the game . Jebi ga!!!
It’s hard to make accurate predictions from the first match, but I think Dinamo will be the team to beat again this season. Hajduk had a few good chances, and they were missing their best player. It really could have gone either way, but I think the quality of Baturina made the difference in the end. I think the league title will depend on how many key players Dinamo sells. If they loose Ivanušec, Petković, Šutalo, and Livaković…they could be in trouble.