Ahead of the Slaven Bilić era, the CroatiaSports.com team ranked the 10 current Croatian internationals outside the senior squad who are the most likely, most deserving, or most anticipated to earn a call-up. The criteria were simple: any Croatian player not currently in the squad was eligible, with rankings based on a combination of likelihood, positional need, current form, and long-term potential at each contributor’s discretion. Ante Kvartuč, Markus, Lovre, Matt, and Andrew each submitted their own top-10 lists, which were then combined to produce the official CroatiaSports-recommended “next” call-ups ranking. Before revealing the top 10, here are a few honourable mentions (players who received votes but narrowly missed the cut).
Honourable Mentions:
Darko Nejašmić (27), DM
Moris Valinčić (23), RB
Roko Brajković (21), LW/RW
Patrice Čović (19), AM
Mario Vušković (24), CB
Michele Šego (25), ST/LW
Matija Subotić (18), DM
10. Mislav Oršić (33), LW, Dinamo Zagreb
Votes: Markus (10), Lovre (N/A), Matt (N/A), Ante K (9), Andrew (N/A)
Should Mislav Oršić return to form with Dinamo, the Vatreni could gain a true winger off the bench while the next generation continues to develop. He has already proven himself on the international stage, and if a resurgence occurs, a return to the national team is certainly within reach.
9. Toni Silić (22), GK, Hajduk Split
Votes: Markus (9), Lovre (10), Matt (9), Ante K (N/A), Andrew (N/A)
Toni Silić is the closest goalkeeper prospect to break into Croatia’s squad, should Kotarski have another poor season. However, Livaković and Pandur are very much the solidified #1 and #2 at the moment.
8. Franjo Ivanović (22), ST, Benfica
Votes: Markus (8), Lovre (7), Matt (7), Ante K (8), Andrew (4)
If Franjo Ivanović wants minutes this season, he will have to leave Benfica following the arrival of Jhon Duran. A mediocre season for Benfica saw him dropped from the NT ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but Ivanović is still young and promising.
7. Adriano Jagušić (20), AM/RW, Panathinaikos
Votes: Markus (7), Lovre (8), Matt (6), Ante K (4), Andrew (6)
2025/26 stats:
- 22 matches (22 starts)
- 9 goals, 4 assists – 13 G/A
- 7.52 avg Sofascore rating
Adriano Jagušić had a dominant HNL campaign with Slaven Belupo at just 19 years old last season. Following a surprise move to Panathinaikos, Croatian fans will be looking for the young midfielder to replicate this dominance in the Greek league, before possibly moving up to a stronger league once more. Jagušić might still be a good year or two off the National Team, especially considering the abundance of 10s available to us, but he is definitely one to keep an eye on in the very near future.
6. Domagoj Bradarić (26), LB, Hellas Verona
Votes: Markus (5), Lovre (4), Matt (8), Ante K (3), Andrew (8)
Domagoj Bradarić will unfortunately be playing in Serie B this season following Hellas Verona’s relegation. However, he is likely our second best (or most in-form) left-back after Gvardiol at the moment. He has become more solid defensively over the seasons and offers dynamism in transition.
5. Ivan Smolčić (25), RB, Como
Votes: Markus (6), Lovre (3), Matt (5), Ante K (5), Andrew (7)
Ivan Smolčić fills a positional need for Croatia, at the right-back position behind Josip Stanišić. This call-up could also allow for flexibility in moving Stani to the left-back position should Gvardiol be hurt or move into center-back. Smolčić is not the flashiest player but he was a consistent and reliable starter on a top-4 Serie A team last season.
4. Dion Drena Beljo (24), ST, Dinamo Zagreb
Votes: Markus (4), Lovre (5), Matt (4), Ante K (6), Andrew (1)
2025/26 stats:
- 48 matches (41 starts)
- 38 goals, 6 assists – 44 G/A
- 7/7 penalties
Beljo was one of the most prolific strikers in Europe last season, and his 6’5 frame offers a desirable profile at the 9 for Croatia. The only problem? This was in the Croatian league. Beljo’s campaign in the Bundesliga two seasons ago left much to be desired, and so another dominant season with a move to a top 5 league is what could push him into a starting role for Croatia. He’ll have to fight off Matanović and Musa for the spot (and Budimir should he stick around).
3. Josip Mišić (32), CM/DM, Dinamo Zagreb
Votes: Markus (3), Lovre (2), Matt (2), Ante K (7), Andrew (5)
2025/26 stats:
- 44 matches (44 starts)
- 2 goals, 5 assists – 7 G/A
- 7.40 avg Sofascore rating
With Modrić potentially retiring and Nikola Moro not offering much for the squad, look to Josip Mišić to become Kovačić’s sub off the bench. The 32 year-old midfielder dominated the HNL last season and could be a solid midfield stopgap for Croatia over the next 2 years, until the next Petar Sučić arrives.
2. Luka Stojković (22), AM/RW, Dinamo Zagreb
Votes: Markus (2), Lovre (6), Matt (1), Ante K (1), Andrew (2)
2025/26 stats:
- 42 matches (26 starts)
- 13 goals, 12 assists – 25 G/A
- 34.6 km/h top speed (15.3 sprints/game)
Stojković has flourished into a productive, skilled attacking midfielder for Dinamo Zagreb and may earn himself a move to a bigger league at the end of this season, like Petar Sučić and Martin Baturina did. Although not a true winger, he can slot into the right-wing spot, which helps address a big need in the National Team. Stojković is slower than Segečić and is more comfortable in the 10 role, and thus falls short of the #1 ranking.
1. Adrian Segečić (22), LW/RW, Portsmouth
Votes: Markus (1), Lovre (1), Matt (3), Ante K (2), Andrew (3)
2025/26 stats:
- 39 matches (24 starts)
- 11 goals, 5 assists – 16 G/A
- 36.0 km/h top speed (23.4 sprints/game)
Considering the National Team’s current needs, it is quite obvious why the Australian-Croatian winger sits atop the rankings. The 22-year-old dominated the second tier of English football at the tail end of last season, with a game that relies on explosive speed down the flanks. The youngster can play both wings as well. Should he have a good start to the 2026/27 season with Portsmouth, he will certainly earn himself a call-up sometime soon.
With a new era set to begin under Slaven Bilić, there is no shortage of deserving names waiting for their chance. Let us know who made your list and who you think deserves the next call-up to the Vatreni.
Only positive comments re Pavic today (correction he came on at HT) saying he stood out
Why doesn’t Bayern loan him to Hamburg for the year? Good replacement for Luka loan and he’ll have Mario fellow Croat there for support
Durdov on the bench today for his team’s game in Poland. Has not seen the field so far, now at the 70th minute.
Anyone watch Istra Lecce friendly
LW Skafar-Zuzic (the guy who scored 2 great goals for U17) and CB Kumar got 90′ – while Saranic got 78′
Game ended 2-2
Three Croatian CBs (Roko and Raphael starting) with Bayern today (with Filip on the bench) – Michael is a midfielders
Pavlic came off after 26′ replaced by Pavic (lol – so confusing)
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Croatian Football Scout 2 🇭🇷
@crotalentscout2
Four Croats are in Bayern Munich’s squad for their first preseason match of the season against 3rd division side SV Wehen Wiesbaden, with three named in the starting XI.
🇭🇷 Roko Mijatović (18)
🇩🇪🇭🇷 Raphael Pavlić (18)
🇦🇹🇭🇷 Michael Matošević (18)
🇭🇷 Filip Pavić (16) is on the bench.
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Pretty surprised Segečić is at #1.
Right now, I think he may be another Marco Pasalic (which is decent), but the #1 most likely callup? (not sure about that). I think he should maaaybe be in the top 5, but not number 1.
Smolčić will for sure be called up, along with Stojković, Mišić and probably Beljo. Those are probably the top four sure-fire callups right now.
Jagušić and Ivanović will 100% get called up if they secure first team football with their club teams.
So, I think Segečić makes the top-10 but I would put him behind these guys.
Bradarić at #6? I doubt it. I don’t think he gets a callup at all.
Toni Silić will probably get called up, even though he’s not that good.
Oršić probably doesn’t get a call up anytime soon, maybe if he plays lights-out amazing in the HNL…but I think Bilić would still pick Michele Šego or Roko Brajković over him (if it’s close).
Several guys from the “honorable mentions” list will definitely be called up by Bilić ahead of guys like Oršić and Bradarić.
The players on this list are very good players and I want to see them called up.
I remember in 2006 when Bilić first started, he called up a handful of new guys (Corluka, Čale, Sablić, Petrić, etc.) to try them out, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he did it again.
Maminjo, you should give us your top ten list.
I was wondering about Krivak, whether he might have squeezed into receiving at least an honourable mention. I know he had that injury, but he seems to have made a good recovery.
I suspect we may be hearing more from Mlacic soon if he has a good year in Serie A.
I will also look forward to seeing what kind of year Durdov might have in Poland, and wonder if we might be talking about him this time next year. (Some of his games will be available in Canada on DAZN, as they are making at least some Polish league games available). He has fallen off the radar somewhat, but let’s see how he does with this change of scenery.
My top ten that I think are the “likeliest” ones that Bilić will call up (based on what he’s hinted at, and based on their form, etc.)…
– Mišić, Smolčić, Stojković (for sure)
– Silić (for sure, just because we need a third string keeper)
– Beljo (very likely)
– Jagušić (likely, but only if he continues to start at PAO)
– Ivanović (likely, but only if he gets a new club soon & starts right away)
– Segečić (likely)
These are my top 8 in roughly this order. I think Mišić, Smolčić, Stojković, and Silić are guaranteed…Beljo almost a guarantee…and Jagušić/Ivanović/Segečić are all very likely (but one or two not make the squad right away).
I don’t see Bradarić or Oršić making the cut. I think Bilić would rather pick a surprise player as a new callup.
I have no idea who that would be, but I would lean toward one of Šego or Brajković (since we’re thin at LW, and they’re both looking pretty decent). I also wouldn’t be surprised if Nejašmić was called up (since it looks like we’re trialing CDMs).
Bilić probably doesn’t call up Valinčić yet (since he will call up Smolčić) and he won’t call up Mario Vušković yet (since he’s suspended until November).
My personal opinion…
I would love to call up any of these guys mentioned above.
My focus would be less on the actual callup…and moreso on trying out new formations with guys like Stojković, Jagušić or Ivanović integrated into the offense (alongside Baturina). Maybe try and copy some of the offensively-potent formations that Como plays with Baturina and Nico Paz.
I would also like to try out different backline formations with Smolčić at RB (shifting Stanišić to LB at times) allowing Gvardiol and Vušković to be paired. Get Valinčić in there eventually (for some healthy competition between him and Smolčić). I would not bother calling up Bradarić.
I am intrigued by young players like Brajković, Pavić, Levak, Čović and Mlačić…but I wouldn’t call them up unless they are regularly starting for their clubs (since all I am going by are highlights). Brajković seems to be closest right now.
The potential new CDM callups like Mišić and Nejašmić are less exciting (since we’ll always have Petar Sučić ahead of them). I like Mišić as a backup and don’t know much about Nejašmić…but I am intrigued by Levak and some of our young CBs (Pavić, Mlačić) but these callups can wait.
Mario Vušković intrigues me a lot. Curious to see what four years of training and anger can do for a player (who hasn’t played a single minute of competitive football).
Outside of the above, I can’t really think of anyone else off-hand that would be close to a callup.
Also, regarding your comments about Krivak and Durdov…
I don’t think Croats (Bilić included) respect the Polish and Czech leagues that much.
Both Krivak and Durdov would have to become TOP players in the league to get a callup.
I think playing in these leagues will hurt their chances
Remember, it’s not only who’s most likely, it’s also who we want to see (personally) and positional need. I think Segecic fits those three categories the best considering he is a likely callup if he maintains form, we all like his profile and he’s a true winger. Stojkovic is not really a winger, he really does perform better at the 10. I think that’s why he fell slightly below. Segecic is the only truly pacey winger we have that’s close to NT level so we all prioritized that.
Sege isn’t a “true [touchline] winger” like Marco Pasalic though
He’s an right-sided hybrid inside forward/#10
It’s completely different position and role in the team (when you have inside forwards the FBs have to provide width, etc)
Compare Marco Pasalic heat map Panama [glued to touchline] vs. Segecic heat map Portsmouth [start right drift centrally] – it’s completely different
Inside forwards on right-side include: Luka Sucic, Jagusic, Stojkovic, Segecic, etc – with Stojko being the only right-foote
Interesting.
If we have Stanisic and (not to upset Maminjo but . . . ) Gvardiol providing that width up the right and left sides from the back line, then does Segecic fit well?
The Oršic support has to stop guys. If he’s a potential answer to any problems we have, we’re in much deeper trouble than anyone realizes.
I was a big Oršic fan and I credit him for keeping us alive (and saving Dalic’s job) at Euro 2020. He was also a key super sub for us at WC2022…
But his time has passed.
We have Baturina, who can cover that left side and it seems like Sego, Segecic and Brajkovic are set to have great seasons.
One of them will break through into the National Team.
Respect for Orsic for all he has done. But I have to agree with Becar.
Respect for Misic as well, I like how he plays. But with Baturina, Petar Sucic, Kovacic, Majer, Luka Sucic, and Jakic all in top five leagues, and all six of them younger than Misic, and Jagusic looking closer to getting a call up as a seventh potential midfielder, I just don’t know that a 32-year-old Misic makes a whole lot of sense at this point.
Start a 38 y/o Perisic and sub a 33 y/o Orsic isn’t the right way to go ?
@Bartolec1912
We have a partial answer on Hrgovic.
Our experts, who do pick other Hajduk players, do not put Hrgovic in the top 17, so while he may have potential (and does play at left back) he is not thought to be ready for prime time . . . at least not yet.
Hrgović is probably a better callup than Bradarić right now.
Can Olic call Edin Biber up to the U21s ?
Played 3x for Croatia U17 – moved to Germany U17
Will be with Gladbach first team this year
Other key call-up is LW Adeyole Thomas of RB Liepzig [i’m sure all u MORONS have been watching him pre-season light it up]
Not sure which is worse
Jaga not being #1
Or
Completely ignoring Saranic
Unreal stuff
Well, take it easy Anon. . . in fairness, they did not receive the Jaga eye test report on time.
Surely THEY can’t be blamed for the delay.
Now, I’m not pointing fingers at anyone, but . . .
If I’m Bilic
I’m all over Niko Iličević …
He’s exactly the type of winger Croatia 🇭🇷 need
MB, just looked up this player. Never heard of him before.
Some suggestion that he is basically ready to play in the Bundesliga right now. But he is born in October 2010, and is only 15. He is with Frankfurt.
1. All the reports indicate that he’s an attacking midfielder. Has he played on the wing or do you envision him as a potential winger?
2. He’s a German citizen and he’s been playing for Germany’s U16 and U17. He also has Croatian citizenship. What’s the likelihood of him playing for Croatia? Do you think he will elect to play for Croatia like Stanisic and Pavic?
He is obviously at least a number of years off from the national team. Can anyone else offer any insights into this player’s potential or his likelihood to play for Croatia?
Hey A Tin U ,
I wouldn’t get too caught up in whether he’s a No. 10 or a winger right now. he’s good enough, coaches will figure out where he fits best. I believe he’s got qualities for playmaking winger. That’s the easy part.
What interests me a lot more is the Croatia side of things. Germany has him in the youth setup now, but that’s exactly why HNS needs to be proactive. Build the relationship early, stay in touch with him and his family, make him feel like he’s genuinely part of Croatia’s plans. We’ve won a few of these dual-national battles over the years, but we’ve lost some too—and those are the ones you always look back on.
If this kid is as highly rated as people are saying, I’d much rather HNS be talking to him today than trying to convince him three or four years from now, when Germany is already offering him bigger roles. Waiting is a gamble Croatia can’t really afford.
The family connection makes it even more interesting. His uncle, Ivo, wore the Croatian shirt, so there is already a bond there and an understanding of what representing Croatia means. That doesn’t guarantee anything, but it’s a relationship HNS should be nurturing instead of assuming it’ll take care of itself.
If I’m Bilic I’m all over him, like Rakitic previously.
Thanks MB. Great scouting report on this kid. I had not heard of him. Looks like a heck of a prospect for the NT.
Hopefully the HNS is doing what you suggest, and will have success convincing him to represent Croatia.
Well, the HNS did a great job snagging Filip Pavić (and he was playing for Germany’s youth teams).
I’m sure Pletikosa is working on Iličević as we speak.