Okay, time for another talented Croatian youngster to get some notice.
Dinamo Zagreb's 17-year-old forward, Robert Muric.
I mentioned him previously here ( http://www.spurscommunity.co.uk/index.php?threads/tin-jedvaj.95659/page-7#post-3398957 ).
He can play across the front 3 (4-2-3-1), but has been most effective when played as a wide forward on the right (allowing him to cut-in with his favoured left foot).
He's currently playing for Dinamo's Junior team (U19), but is said to be joining the big club during the winter break. In the last week he's been linked with Chelsea and Manchester United. Dinamo's head of youth football said that during the recent U17 World Cup he was approached by members of Juventus, Monaco, PSG, and Arsenal about the player. And other reports have thrown in Tottenham as well (but you can be sure Spurs will get mentioned one way or another, credible source or not).
I don't necessarily believe the numbers being thrown about (the Chelsea/Man United stories mention 6m euro bids), but I'm certain he's being followed closely by some "big" clubs. He has great dribbling ability, an accurate left foot shot, but also some very good vision as well. He's a scoring/assisting machine (at youth level).
I know the inevitable question will come up:
So who's better, Muric or Halilovic?
Muric is more mature physically and could hold his own better than Halilovic in that regard. It will be interesting to see how he adjusts to senior football in the spring. Halilovic has been hyped for years now, but Muric has been steadily impressing throughout his youth career. Muric is much more of a team player at this stage. Many see Halilovic's ceiling as higher (he's as talented as a "talent" there is), but there are still those who argue that Muric is the more ready now and potentially the better player for the future. They are both part of this "golden generation." There really are a number of players within their age group who could/should go on to have very good careers.
Halilovic played for Dinamo yesterday in their Europa league match. Played ok and it's immediately clear that he has that "something." I don't know if any of you follow the "whoscored" site for stats, but in 65 minutes that he played he had 7 successful dribbles (5 at the half), more than doubling the next closest player (from either team). It's a number that is rarely achieved, let alone by a 17-year-old. It's just another indication that although it's obvious he has a lot to work on, there just aren't many footballers who have what he has. That talent is just something you're either born with or you're not. That's why he's still going to be valued so highly. Potential is a huge thing.
Muric is a "lull you" type of dribbler. Very silky with the ball. Halilovic is more direct when running with the ball whereas Muric will have you turning inside and out. He also has a very good footballing mind. Not a tunnel vision type of player, but one you can immediately tell has a good idea of his surroundings.
Some reports are suggesting that Muric may be transferred out of Dinamo as early as this January, but I find that hard to believe. I believe the "plan" from Dinamo has always been to sell Halilovic and then promote Muric as "the next one." His value can/will only go up. Even if it's just to promote him over the spring (as they did with Jedvaj before he was sold to Roma).
Anyway, there has been little-to-nothing of him posted online until now. Here's a brand new comp showcasing some of his skill:
You're definitely going to be hearing more about him in the near future (and not just the news linking him with Chelsea/Man United).
Dinamo Zagreb's 17-year-old forward, Robert Muric.
I mentioned him previously here ( http://www.spurscommunity.co.uk/index.php?threads/tin-jedvaj.95659/page-7#post-3398957 ).
He can play across the front 3 (4-2-3-1), but has been most effective when played as a wide forward on the right (allowing him to cut-in with his favoured left foot).
He's currently playing for Dinamo's Junior team (U19), but is said to be joining the big club during the winter break. In the last week he's been linked with Chelsea and Manchester United. Dinamo's head of youth football said that during the recent U17 World Cup he was approached by members of Juventus, Monaco, PSG, and Arsenal about the player. And other reports have thrown in Tottenham as well (but you can be sure Spurs will get mentioned one way or another, credible source or not).
I don't necessarily believe the numbers being thrown about (the Chelsea/Man United stories mention 6m euro bids), but I'm certain he's being followed closely by some "big" clubs. He has great dribbling ability, an accurate left foot shot, but also some very good vision as well. He's a scoring/assisting machine (at youth level).
I know the inevitable question will come up:
So who's better, Muric or Halilovic?
Muric is more mature physically and could hold his own better than Halilovic in that regard. It will be interesting to see how he adjusts to senior football in the spring. Halilovic has been hyped for years now, but Muric has been steadily impressing throughout his youth career. Muric is much more of a team player at this stage. Many see Halilovic's ceiling as higher (he's as talented as a "talent" there is), but there are still those who argue that Muric is the more ready now and potentially the better player for the future. They are both part of this "golden generation." There really are a number of players within their age group who could/should go on to have very good careers.
Halilovic played for Dinamo yesterday in their Europa league match. Played ok and it's immediately clear that he has that "something." I don't know if any of you follow the "whoscored" site for stats, but in 65 minutes that he played he had 7 successful dribbles (5 at the half), more than doubling the next closest player (from either team). It's a number that is rarely achieved, let alone by a 17-year-old. It's just another indication that although it's obvious he has a lot to work on, there just aren't many footballers who have what he has. That talent is just something you're either born with or you're not. That's why he's still going to be valued so highly. Potential is a huge thing.
Muric is a "lull you" type of dribbler. Very silky with the ball. Halilovic is more direct when running with the ball whereas Muric will have you turning inside and out. He also has a very good footballing mind. Not a tunnel vision type of player, but one you can immediately tell has a good idea of his surroundings.
Some reports are suggesting that Muric may be transferred out of Dinamo as early as this January, but I find that hard to believe. I believe the "plan" from Dinamo has always been to sell Halilovic and then promote Muric as "the next one." His value can/will only go up. Even if it's just to promote him over the spring (as they did with Jedvaj before he was sold to Roma).
Anyway, there has been little-to-nothing of him posted online until now. Here's a brand new comp showcasing some of his skill:
You're definitely going to be hearing more about him in the near future (and not just the news linking him with Chelsea/Man United).
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did look quite classy, but also a bit lazy
