With Halilović, Brozović, and the two Markos all gone to top tier European clubs, only Ante Ćorić remains in Zagreb from that talented core. Ćorić is a versatile playmaker who has turned down the advances from several of England’s top clubs. Despite problems with manager Ivaylo Petev, to the extent where he was omitted from match day squads, the 19-year old has impressed this season, including the final game of the group stage vs. Juventus where he exhibited efficiency and trickery as a wide playmaker in Petev’s 5-4-1. The teenager is a key element in Croatia’s future, and his superb first touch and effervescent dribbling under pressure has drawn comparisons to a certain Luka, but let Ante find his own path. He’s certainly got the vision to do so.
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