Andrija Balic and Nikola Vlasic (both of Hajduk Split)

[Gbspurs]

Heard this morning this should be tidied up in the next few days

I never know whether to get excited or not about these sort of players. Soulmane Coulibailly part 2? The return of Tomas Pekhart?

 

[Grey Fox]

JUst Balic ya?

Yeah as far as I am aware

 

[Grey Fox]

I never know whether to get excited or not about these sort of players. Soulmane Coulibailly part 2? The return of Tomas Pekhart?

Almost certain to be loaned back for a year so wouldn't worry about it for a while.

 

[felmani26]

I never know whether to get excited or not about these sort of players. Soulmane Coulibailly part 2? The return of Tomas Pekhart?

Low risk, high reward.

Not the glamorous signings granted but important ones for a club like ours to make nevertheless.

 

[HappySpur]

They are watching your every move GF.

This popped up not long after that comment.

http://www.insidefutbol.com/2014/06...tian-starlet-in-potential-e2-4m-deal/143926/?

Trust nobody!

 

[Davo99]

Heard this morning this should be tidied up in the next few days

Almost certain to be loaned back for a year so wouldn't worry about it for a while.

Thanks Dinpomp.

 

[DaSpurs]

I never know whether to get excited or not about these sort of players. Soulmane Coulibailly part 2? The return of Tomas Pekhart?

That's fair, but Yugoslavians have a high track record of success per capita across Europe's top leagues. They succeed in any league with any challenge. Real Madrid's central midfield is likely to have two Croatians in charge of ball dispersal next season, it's time we get on it having one of the best recruitment tools possible at hand in Modrić.

 

[Dinpomp]

I know Mario Pašalić has looked outstanding recently, so how does Balić compare as a prospect?

Next season would be easier to make that comparison as it was when Pasalic first started to feature for Hajduk's senior side. Pasalic was a talent but it was the way he hit the ground running in the first team that caught the eye. He has a very good demeanor and work ethic. Balic (and Vlasic) started the season with Hajduk's U17's but were promoted to their U19's during the winter break. They basically carried the U17's and very much held their own with the U19's (particularly Vlasic). Balic was a bit inconsistent (according to some who watched them closely) but still his ability is unquestioned.

Strictly "prospect wise" (the perception/projected ceiling), Balic is very much in Pasalic's category. Definitely no less of a talent (at that age).

 

[Dinpomp]

Nothing transfer related, but just some info on Balic.

Yesterday Hajduk won the junior cup final (2-0) and Balic reportedly played well. They played a 4-2-3-1 and Balic was one of the "defensive" midfielders (Vlasic played behind the striker).

I think I've said this before, but Balic is a versatile central midfielder. Can play like he did yesterday, centrally in a 4-3-3, or behind the striker.

 

[DaSpurs]

Nothing transfer related, but just some info on Balic.

Yesterday Hajduk won the junior cup final (2-0) and Balic reportedly played well. They played a 4-2-3-1 and Balic was one of the "defensive" midfielders (Vlasic played behind the striker).

I think I've said this before, but Balic is a versatile central midfielder. Can play like he did yesterday, centrally in a 4-3-3, or behind the striker.

Would you say he played a role that more resembled a deep-lying playmaker or the designated back line shield?

 

[Dinpomp]

Would you say he played a role that more resembled a deep-lying playmaker or the designated back line shield?

I didn't see the game, but definitely deep-laying playmaker. He's a creator.

 

[Spursidol]

I never know whether to get excited or not about these sort of players. Soulmane Coulibailly part 2? The return of Tomas Pekhart?

I wouldn't get excited by him from a first team perspective.

From a long term perspective it looks like we will typically get several youngsters in each year group considered good enough to play in pre-season or the easier first team games (probably EL or domestic cups), and out of that maybe 2 a seasonn who start to play for the first team on a relatively regulart basis.

At age 16, Spurs coaches are taking a bet that this type of player who might make it - but we know the chances of any one making it is not high from examples such as Parrett, Bostock and many more, but some do. Crudely its a numbers game at age 16. But intersting to see how they do in the 17-20 age group, Then its worth getting really excited about the kids who make it to that age.

 

[felmani26]

I didn't see the game, but definitely deep-laying playmaker. He's a creator.

Another Modric would be just peachy!

Hopefully some well thought out loan moves to benefit his progression and who knows.

 

[scat1620]

That's fair, but Yugoslavians have a high track record of success per capita across Europe's top leagues. They succeed in any league with any challenge.

O HAI...

 

[Spursidol]

@Dinpomp

Has there been any updates on Balic ? Is it possible that there will be no announcement until August 11 when Balic will be 17 (ie able to sign a contract rather than a pre-contract as I understand it) ?

 

[Dinpomp]

@Dinpomp

Has there been any updates on Balic ? Is it possible that there will be no announcement until August 11 when Balic will be 17 (ie able to sign a contract rather than a pre-contract as I understand it) ?

I haven't seen anything new on this. Belief (from media but also some close to Hajduk) is still that it's going to happen.

 

[faymantaray]

Great do on that Balic kid!

 

[wiggo24]

Great do on that Balic kid!

What's happened?

 

[faymantaray]

What's happened?

Was talking about his hair.

 

[Davo99]

Haha, Grey Fox is easily the worst 'ITK'.