Ivan Perišić scored a penalty in PSV’s 3-1 win over Heracles. He received a 7.1 SofaScore rating for his efforts after scoring his 5th goal of the season. PSV is cruising along for the Eredivisie title keeping their double-digit lead on 2nd place Feyenoord.
Luka Modrić and AC Milan left it late to score both goals in 90+ minute to beat Cremonese 2-0 Saturday. Modrić received a 7.0 rating from SempreMilan as he “Dictated the tempo of the game wonderfully and had some fantastic balls over the top, without forgetting his crosses, including the one that led to the opener. Once again, we also saw runs into the box from him to open up space for others.” Modrić was responsible for the opening goal in the 90′ as he delivered the ball into the box and received a hockey assist.
Josip Stanišić played 90 minutes as Bayern Munich defeated Borussia Dortmund with an 87′ Kimmich winner. The Bundesliga crown is Bayern’s to lose now with an 11-point lead on 2nd place Dortmund. Stanišić received a 7.0 SofaScore grade on the day.
Andrej Kramarić and Hoffenheim took a huge blow to their top-4 Champions League finish losing 1-0 to St. Pauli on Saturday. Krama received a poor 5.9 SofaScore for his 74 minutes played with one big chance missed.
Luka Vušković returned from a yellow card suspension as RB Leipzig came back to defeat Hamburg 2-1 Sunday. Vušković received a 6.9 rating for his efforts, but what is more impressive, Vušković was given the keys to the car on a 90′ free kick from 26 yards out that could have tied the game up. He shot well over the crossbar but the respect for a 19 year-old defender to get that kind of responsibility is something you do not normally see.
Coppa Italia semi final is tomorrow. Unfortunately no Baturina and Smolcic likely won’t start. Hopefully Sucic gets minutes. It seems the injuries are just piling up this year.
Did anyone catch the Udinese-Fiorentina match today?
Branimir Mlacic came on for the final 20 minutes (for the injured Bertola). Mlacic played as a LCB in a back three.
Bertola sprained his ankle and will be undergoing scans to see if he will need to miss any time.
Dream situation would be if Mlacic continued to start there and learns to play in a 3-5-2 (and becomes a future option there as one of the CBs with Gvardiol and Vuskovic).
Yes, I saw when he came on and watched a few minutes before switching to watch Real Madrid lose at home to Getafe.
Mlacic is a good player and had a good season with Hajduk. Not sure if going to Udinese at 18 years of age is a good idea ? Hajduk was desperate for the money, so they were keen on the 4.5 million transfer deal.
Inter Milan were originally keen on Mlacic but he decided to go to Udinese because he felt that it would be better for his development. I hope he is right and gets more opportunities to play for the first team.
Based on numerous past failers of our teenagers in Italy, including two CB’s Jedvaj at Roma and Bosko Sutalo at Udinese I fear for Mlacic and also Jakirovic at Inter.
Correction Bosko Sutalo went from Osijek to Atalanta in 2020.
Just watched it
Anonymous has never watch Mlacic before blank sheet of paper
He got 23 minutes
Aside, Bertola and Solet (abductor) CBs out now – so Mlacic might get a chance to start next couple of games (assuming Bertola misses a match or two at least, but considering they were carrying him by hand (no clue why they didn’t use a stretcher) off the field, it’s possible)
First impressions:
Foot work – OUTSTANDING – he’s like a ballerina on the field with twinkle toes – elite stuff – I’ve never seen a Croatia CB with this foot work – it’s like magic – his foot work you notice immediately from the first second and really stands out – Mart has he always been a CB ? Based on this would guess he was a midfielder coming up thru the juniors (wouldn’t shock me)
Foot speed – in a couple of duels – his foot speed was so quick be easily won the duel as he could kick the ball quickly (foot speed wise)
Mobile – extremely mobile considering he’s 1.92m – there were no real long sprints to gauge speed – but the couple times he had to follow / track back with a striker – he was very quick to close down the space
Agile – it goes with foot work and foot speed – but able to turn quickly and on a dime and go in different / opposite directions
I point out these four points above first – as these same four points are work Luka Vuskovic is working on – meaning based on 23 min – it’s possible they would be a good pairing (with Josko going LB)
Questions / outstanding:
Speed – not sure his actually “speed” i.e. over a long-distance sprint – as he didn’t need to do that – but part of that is bc his foot work is outstanding – he’s mobile and agile – so that gets in on good positions on the field
Nastiness / presence – he was too nice to the strikers – he wasn’t making his presence known unless he had to enter a duel – he didn’t really impose himself on the field – he needs to engage the strikers a bit more – to let them know he’s there (push, shove, etc)
Having said that, the first duel he had to enter, he really got stuck in there, and then quickly kicked the ball away (foot speed) – it was really cute as he then clapped himself and a teammate came over to congratulate him on the duel and he had a big smile on his face (he has such an innocent face)
Passing – most of his passes were low-risk to players right around him – no view on passing range or the like – his second pass was errant but all the others were successful
Carrying the ball – not observed
Frame – he doesn’t have a big frame/constitution – reminds of Dean Huijsen – but this is the “trade-off” of being so agile, mobile, and quick feet – again, the opposite of Vuskovic
Overall – Anonymous liked what he saw – will mark on calendar the next couple Udenese games and will try to watch if he starts them
Maybe Mart has some thoughts on some of the above based on his Hajduk games – I will say given Serie A is more intense than Hajduk – I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the above (foot speed, agility, mobility) weren’t observed clearly given the overall slower speed of the game (meaning he does/will probably look better in Serie A – where his attributes become more apparent – than in the HNL)
Prestianni starts
Franjo not even on bench
Sad
Ferencvaros
Down 1-0 with 6 minutes to go
Franko draws a penalty in 84′ and takes the penalty (he tried to do a Neymar it was terrible placement, but scores on rebound) and runs interference on a CB in ET to open space for cross to come in to teammate for winning goal
Ferencvaros wins 2-1
***.youtube.com/watch?v=gG0fzhm_CBM
Apparently, he has some Hungarian roots on his grandmother’s side.
Hungary are going to try and give him citizenship to call him up.
For Dinamo’s cup game vs. 4th division side Wednesday
In case anyone is wondering why their bid midfielder looks familiar…
https://coverstyle.hr/video-kakva-romantika-petra-dugandzic-pokazala-intimne-trenutke-s-26-godina-mladim-suprugom-za-kojeg-se-nedavno-udala-u-najstrozoj-tajnosti/
https://www.24sata.hr/sport/ovako-se-za-dinamo-pripremaju-radnik-cistoce-benzinske-kipar-i-baustelac-skuplji-su-587-puta-1111475
Marco Pašalić scores vs Messi (match still in first half).
Wolfsburg is having a brutal season.
4-0 loss to Stuttgart.
They are in the relegation zone.
I wonder how much of Majer’s poor season — by almost any measure, he has had a poor season — can be fairly attributed to the team’s lacklustre performance?
Is Beljo starting to make a case for himself?
Asking not necessarily because I think so (haven’t watched him play), but asking those who might have watched him recently
I don’t like the way Beljo plays.
Too lazy and expects the ball at all times.
He’s not good enough to be the focal point of any teams’ offence.
He needs to press, run, play physical, and learn to do things without the ball.
@maminjo/Ariel.
I find it incredible that professional footballers can play with anything other than 100% commitment and work rate. I still play competitive football in an over 50’s league. Most of the players were very good in their day so the technical/tactical standard is good, even though it’s obviously slower. I play as a false 9 in a 4231 system. The guy playing number 10 is a former premier league player with England u21 caps. He is a better finisher than me. Unbelievable strike on him. You give him a chance he will score. He has also kept himself very fit, still goes to the gym every day, never smoked or drank alcohol. Very very quick. He is a natural striker/winger, where as I am a natural creative midfielder. (I’m Croat 😂). But I play upfront because I work hard to open space for others, I run the channels, I hold up the ball, I go wide, I drop deep and I press like a hungry dog. Because I want to win. So I give everything I can to make it happen. It’s 90 minutes of hard work in a week where I sit on my ass most of the time.
But my strike partner doesn’t do that work. He waits for the ball. If he gets the chances he will score or assist. But in games against tough opposition, if the chances don’t come, he will shrug his shoulders and say “the team let me down”. This is a guy who has played premier league football. And he is really competitive, he desperately wants to win, so it’s strange to me that he doesn’t work harder.
Recently beljo is working harder, becoming more team orientated, and more aggressive. I find it incredible that it can take a player years to realise they need to push hard to win. A player can’t upgrade their technical skills easily. But what every player should be able to easily do, is upgrade their mentality. Work 20% harder and immediately reap the rewards. It’s not rocket science. A football career is short. Don’t waste it. Treat every game like it is your last.
I will admit though. Importantly, there can be a drop off in quality if you work too hard. I’ve had brilliant matches this season, making it all happen, but missed easy chances. Suarez and Drogba are examples of players whose contributions in their early careers at Liverpool and Chelsea were huge, yet the missed chances. In both cases a lot of people were saying they are good players but poor finishers. But actually they were just working so hard that they were mentality and physically spent when the crucial moment came to finish a chance. So if you are messi, save your energy for the crucial moments in attack. But if Suarez and Drogba are not considered good enough to rest during games in order to make the chances count then….beljo??? Lol
I haven’t been watching Beljo in his recent HNL games.
I watched the Europa games, and I don’t find him to work hard at all.
Hopefully, he has been changing his ways as he does have excellent size and I’ve seen him run before (for the U21s).
But he’s not Ibra or Haaland, so he’d better keep working hard and play within the team.
Needs to fight for position, get his head on every ball (like Mandžo did) and defend/press as much as possible.
The good news is that we do have a lot of depth now. We may not have elite forwards, but we have several players who can play the position at an equal level from one another.
I would use all our subs every game and tell these guys to press until they can’t anymore. Then sub them out once you exhaust them. We’re not going to experience an extreme drop off between Ivanović, Matanović, Beljo, Budimir, etc.
Have them all blitz the opposing defenders at all times.
Tudor doing God’s work.
Working hard to get Spurs relegated, so that they have to sell Luka Vušković to a top European club.
hahahaha he’s playing chess out here…
If spurs do get regulated how does that affect Luka’s transfer?
Luka will likely request for another loan spell at HSV and likely not want to play Championship football.
However, Spurs will likely be forced to sell some of their star players who will choose not to waste a year in the Championship.
They are less likely to sell Vušković (because he’s young and will likely just be re-inserted into the club when they get promoted back to the EPL).
But if Spurs run into some financial issues by being relegated, they may be forced to sell some assets like Vušković if they get an offer they cannot refuse.
I responded, but my comment was blocked
Budimir scoreless as Osasuna falls 1-0.
Vlašić very active for Torino as the match is headed to halftime.
As mentioned by @ A Tin U, Matanović nearly scored as his header hits the post.
Beljo with a 7th minute goal as Dinamo is leading late in the match.
With Ivanović seeing 5 minutes for Benefica and mostly riding the bench, he’s now appearing to be the 5th (or 6th?) option at striker.
Igor Matanovic showed his strength in the air, almost had a goal in the first half with a great header. Was unlucky.
Rafa said PAO was going to start Jaga
But his teammates stole his jersey again (this time the replacements too) so he’s stuck on the bench as he doesn’t have a kit to wear
Rafa said they tried to order Jaga kits from the webshop – but the webshop still don’t sell Jaga kits and you can’t order them
Dirty f Greeks and dirty f Serbs sabotaging poor Jaga
https://paofc.gr/en/?srsltid=AfmBOoo68HXDDiRcNzMEa15mTvuwpbBt8FmeFr1zSxKnPo6sW7BW4Pfn
Is this a joke?
Jagusic never saw the field today.
A shame he isn’t playing.
Does the player control where they go when this kind of transfer takes place? Is this Jagusic’s decision to go to this particular team in the Greek league, or is this effectively a trade that his team made, and the player had little or no say?
It seemed to me Vuskovic exercised a good deal of control over where he ended up this season, but that was a loan.
Can someone explain how this works? Ivanovic, for example, had what is in hindsight a bad move to Benfica, when he could have followed up on that great season at USG by staying with the team and playing in the Belgium league (good league) and also in Champions league with USG . . . Instead, he is on the bench.
Yes of course the player controls their destination.
Teams agree on a transfer fee, but the purchasing team needs to agree to terms with the player first.
Ivanović and Jagušić were offered a higher salary at these teams than their current teams (as well as the other teams that were interested in them).
So they probably figured to take the guaranteed money first, and see how things pan out (as nothing is guaranteed, regardless of who you sign with).
I don’t feel sorry for Ivanović. Frankfurt were interested in him, but he went with Benfica for the money (even though it seemed like he would’ve definitely started at Frankfurt).
Jaga I feel a bit sorry for, because Dinamo offered very little to Slaven Belupo (under 2M) for the transfer. So, the deal between Dinamo and Slaven fell apart (otherwise Jaga would be playing for Dinamo right now).
If Modrić signs with Dinamo next season, it would’ve been great to see Jaga learn from him.
Boban really botched that transfer.
Sutalo was solid in Ajax’s game today. He seems to be starting regularly now.
I watched the first half. He passed the ball well, and used his speed effectively. Nothing spectacular, but a solid performance.
@Crnkovic
100% agree with your assessment that players need both talent AND character
But you are missing a key 3rd pillar – luck – in terms of luck to stay healthy and not having any serious injuries that end a career (like Antonio Frigan – Matija’s twin brother) or significantly hinder their career (like Marco Pjaca – after the knee blew in that meaningless friendly)
Frigan back end March to mid-April – but his twin brother Antonio keeper had the same knee issue 4 years ago and under-went surgery, the doctor f-ed up, and Antonio ended up in a coma for 15 days – from a “routine” knee surgery – when Antonio woke up he couldn’t speak, walk, do anything – and had to re-learn everything from scratch – obvious his career was over
Anonymous wants to point out – Luka V has fuel that his brother got f-ed over – and Matija also has fuel that his brother also got f-ed over – both are playing not just for themselves but for their brothers and entire families – won’t be shocked, God willing he can stay healthy, that Matija will continue to be really focused and push himself – he has no choice – his family depends on him
Very true, Ofcourse
Did Niko Kovac instruct Schlotterbeck to almost break Stanisic’s leg yesterday ?
The was a CLOSE CALL
Nasty stuff nasty nasty stuff
In the 20′ if u want to watch it
First studs first into his ankle full speed – one or two inches the other way – and it’s a complete leg breaker as bad as Eduardo and Stanisic would be out for a year and maybe never play again – then the follow-thru by itself is excessive and warrants a separate red card
Two red cards in one challenge
Yet only a yellow
Even Schlotterbeck that it should have been red “I think you could give a red card for that. I got a bit lucky.”
After the game, Stanišić agreed with that sentiment, declaring he disagreed with the referee’s decision not to show Schlotterbeck the red card. “I don’t know how the referee decided it wasn’t a red card. Yes he got the ball first, but the red card is there to protect the players. For me it was a clear red and I told the referee that too.”
Unreal stuff
Croatia is F LUCKY that Stanisic’s career isn’t over F lucky
Ante – you should have included this in your summary – a bit more relevant that his SOFASCORE LMAO – we almost lost Stanisic forever
We should just play in those PSV away kits this Summer
I might order one.
Ante Suto (aka Super-Sub) does it again
***.reddit.com/r/Aleague/comments/1rhjsg1/dundee_22_hibernian_33_ante_šuto_84/
Perfectly timed run in behind the defence (exactly what Croatia NT needs) and nice touch to bring the ball down and even better shimmy/strikers instinct to move the ball past keeper and slot it in
That’s 3 goals (and 1 assist) in 137′ at Hibbs (I guess he’s surviving sans Jaga)
Branimir mlacic is he the 2nd coming of Luka V..lots of interest in him
6’4” lefty great in the air with inter and Roma poking around ?
Any thoughts from the experts ?
Branimir Mlacic scouting report:
I haven’t seen him play a full match, only highlights. But my first impressions are that he is definitely a good prospect. His timing and reading of the play, on blocks, headers, and interceptions is really excellent. Comparable to vuskovic. He is composed on the ball with good technique. He has a calm presence, he doesn’t rush or panic. For a big man he is not slow. He is an excellent prospect. I’d need to watch full match to have better idea.
I knew gvardiol would be world class when he was 17. I saw a YouTube video of him playing 1vs1 with some YouTube skills guy. He was a 17 year old central defender taking on a guy who makes his living doing fancy footwork. Josko put in like 10% effort but still beat the guy. And he was so relaxed and cool and humble about the whole thing. You get a feel for what someone is about, what they have in the locker.
Luka Vuskovic. He scored that header at like 16 years old for Hajduk. From a crazy angle. Normally no chance to score. But the timing of his jump, and then the composure to believe and just guide the ball on and unbelievably precise flight onto the far corner. It’s just wow. It’s special. Nobody else can do that. He did it at 15/16 years old. You see something like that and you just know.
So Mlacic. Excellent prospect. But I’m yet to see anything “wow”
We have a lot of good young players. Some are really special and you have a good feeling they will go to the top, but you need special talent AND special character to be sure….
Coric had ridiculous talent, halilovic also but lacked the maturity or determination.
Others like vlasic, didn’t have the same exquisite skill set of halilovic or coric but he is responsible, hard working, mature and focused. So his career is good. He brought drive and confidence to the national team when he first broke, scored very good goals against Wales and Slovakia. But his technique and natural ability was just below top level. So he struggled to be a number 10 in the premier league.
Stojkovic is different. His technique is better than vlasic, his physical attributes a bit less. But what makes him standout is his feel for the game, his natural creativity, his calmness and killer instinct.
Luka sucic, even when he was at Salzburg and a key player, you could see that his overall impact was less than his talent. Few goals and assists. Too relaxed.
Baturina, can do things with such unbelievable quality, some unbelievable plays. But not able to impose himself on the game enough. A lack of hunger, a lack of work rate and also a lack of deep confidence. And so he went to Como and didn’t play. But he has obviously worked hard and listened to a good coach and now he is blossoming.
So we can never be sure about any young player. But we have a lot now with both good talent and good attitude. So hopefully the future is safe. Amazing talent for a small country.
I’m curious to see what Mario Vušković can do (now that he’s eligible to return from his ban later in the year).
He’s from the same Vušković footballing family, and he was playing very well for HSV when he was only 20.
He’s currently still only 24, and I’m sure he’s determined to prove to everyone that he can play.
I don’t know of any examples of a player who only trained (but never played) with the first team for four years.
Curious to see if he actually managed to progress at all, or if it just caused a major regression and completely ruined his development.
Mario is only allowed to train individually
He is banned from training with HSV or any other pro (or even amateur) team until Sep 2026 (and can start playing for HSV Nov 2026)
I think he will have something to prove and I like his character
He stuck by his innocence
He could have coped a plea but he stuck to his guns
It’s really unfortunate
But I guess we can say he has been able to train
Obviously has the skill set as he showed and genetics
Maybe this was a blessing in disguise and got less miles on his legs and can come back hard
Having him potentially in the mix next year can add even more depth for us
I’m sure brothers vuskovic would be a super cool story if that worked out playing both in our back
So he couldn’t even play beer league??
Those Germans don’t mess around
It does seem like he got the example made of
More punishment then those epstein pedo folks
Sramota
The thing about Vlasic and the Premier League
He tried at 20-21 y/o Everton and again at 23-24 y/o at West Ham
It was just too early for him
Trying at 20 y/o was outright crazy – even Modric didn’t move to Sp*rs until he was almost 24 y/o lol
So it’s easy to say he was a “failure” – but if Modric went to the PL at 20 y/o I’m sure he would have been a “failure” too
There is a reason Broz and Rakitic never went to the PL (and they could have gone if they really wanted to) – it’s actually weird Broz never went as someone would have loved his crazy energy/running
I think Vlasic at 28 y/o (today) he could probably be okay in the PL – maybe a mid-table to bottom-half team – not saying he would be a guaranteed starter every game but he would get minutes (out of all our midfielders at this point in time – he’s probably the most suited for the PL – given his energy, spirit, and fight)
Inter and Roma poking around ???
Udenese bought him while you were sleeping (he’s on their bench every game, so far)
Whatever u do
Don’t ask about Leon Jakirovic – Inter bought him for their U23 team – but as soon as he trained with them for a couple of days – they realized he’s nowhere near good enough for U23 level – so he played 3 games for their U19 and it was a complete disaster – and they regretting ever buying him – there is was an article in SN about a week ago talking about it
Nose pickies
Since u still watch for new save ball person
Susak nice in the Singypory
***.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/1rh4ii2/goalkeeper_ivan_susak_scores_in_stoppage_time_to/
***.skysports.com/football/video/11714/13513328/portsmouth-0-1-hull-city-championship-highlights
WOW WOW WOW
PINK PANDUR SHUT-OUT !!!
1-0 vs. Pompey
FACED TWENTY-ONE SHOTS (!)
FIVE SAVES
HULL NOW 3 PTS FROM 2ND PLACE AUTOMATIC PROMOTION TO PREM OMFG
ANONYMOUS EYE TESTS ARE THE BEST IN THE WORLD
CHECK THE TAPE – ANONYMOUS TOLD YOU SINCE SEPTEMBER 2004 THAT IVOR PANDUR WOULD BE A NT KEEPER – AND FAST-FORWARD HE’S GOING TO THE WORLD CUP – IT HURTS BEING THIS GOOD AT EYE TESTS
P.S. Mr. Small Feet (Takai) not even in Borussia squad today – either other injury (too small feet) or he’s still playing like crap
Smolcic on the bench for Como. Baturina will be back mid March it’s projected.
Bradaric is playing well for Hellas Verona. Despite them being last place. Would he be considered a decent substitute
Kovac against Stanisic in Bundesliga.
Caleta-Car against Mallorca
Sucic vs Genoa
Other Notable matches:
Sunday 9am Igor Tudor vs. Fulham
Sunday 10am Biondic vs. Westerloo – Promise David had surgery last week – presumably Biondic in-line to finally get his first start
Sunday 1pm JAGUSIC vs. Aris – PAO also play Wed 4th 11am – reminder PAO played 130′ on Feb 26th – presumably Jaga has a great chance to start Sunday (based on 15min Larissa cameo he will 100% get a chance to start soon)