Despite having a population of just under four million, Croatia has been a magnet for football talent since declaring its independence in 1991.
From Davor Šuker to Luka Modrić to Joško Gvardiol, the country has produced a stunning amount of world-class players who have graced football for over three decades now.
With the whole world on notice now after back-to-back World Cup medals in 2018 and 2022, there are more eyes than ever on the Croatian footballing scene, with everyone looking to snap up the next Modrić or Gvardiol at a lower cost.
Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split are historically the two largest clubs in the country and the biggest producers of talent, who have gone on to achieve great things in the game.
Over the years, most of Croatia’s internationals came through the ranks at those clubs, at academy and first-team levels.
One of those exciting rising talents is 17-year-old centre-back Luka Vušković.
He stands at 1.93m (6’4’) and has done so since before the age of 15, which instantly distinguishes him from other players in his age group due to his tall frame and impressive physique.
He made his professional debut for Hajduk Split, for whom he was an academy graduate, at the age of 16 before signing a contract with Tottenham Hotspur later that same year, which would see him join in the summer of 2025 after he turns 18.
He spent the second half of last season on loan at Polish Ekstraklasa club Radomiak Radom before being picked up on another loan this summer, this time by KVC Westerlo in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League.
With a third of the season already played, Vušković has been a revelation.
The defender is even high on the league’s top scorer chart while being equally impressive at the back.
This player analysis will examine Vušković’s development in Belgium so far this term and explain precisely why Tottenham fans should be excited about one of the hottest defensive talents in the world today.
Luka Vušković Data Analysis
Before discussing his different qualities, let’s examine the data regarding Vušković’s short time in Belgium.
Luka Vušković Defensive Territory & High Regains Chart
The above data visualisation highlights why Vušković has quickly become integral to Westerlos defensive plans.
Although Luka Vuškovićs primary position is centre-back, he has experience operating as a defensive midfielder from his youth days, which is handy for him playing in Westerlo’s high line, where he is tasked with defending higher up the field.
