Alen Halilović – Croation player playing for  Dinamo Zagreb is touted to be the New Messi. Halilovic became the youngest player ever to score in Croatian league at the age of 16(16 years, 113 daysto be exact). Starting his club career at a very young age, Alen Halilovic made his senior debut for  Dinamo Zagreb on September 2012 in a 3-1 win against  Hajduk Split, making him the youngest player debutant in the history of Dinamo.

Alen Halilovic – The potential superstar in the making

Since the day he joined the youth academy the coaches were impressed by the boy and were potentially looking at a future superstar. After producing talents like  Eduardo Da Silva, Luka Modric and Dejan Lovren, Dinamo are have found their latest sensation. 

“I enjoy playing for Dinamo,” said the teenager upon signing professional terms with the Croatian champions four months ago. “This is what I dreamed about when I started to play football. The reason I started was because I wanted to be like my dad: to play for Dinamo Zagreb.”

Dinamo Zagreb have been known for producing young talents off late and after only one year ago, when they the showed the world two promising youngsters Sime Vrsjalko and Mateo Kovacic have now come up with another wonder-kid.  Fans and the Croatian media has been impressed with the youngster after only seeing him in first-team action for a grand total of 14 minutes. 

As is often the case when a teenager steps up, comparisons  with past and present footballing legends are unavoidable, the Croatian media has already started comparing the player with Barcelona’s Messi. However it is very pre-mature to compare the youngster with Barca’s no 10 which the player was quick to notice and have clearly pointed out that he is still a long way to go before becoming a player of Messi’s caliber. 

 “Just don’t call me Messi,” said Halilović, attempting to deflect the growing hype. I admire Leo, but I am a long way from him. For now my goal is to play well and to show the coach [Ante Čačić] he can count on me.” 

The youngster has to put his head down and start focusing on the game without getting carried away with the hype around him. Though it is good to see a young talent playing with the first team regularly, it might have a negative effect as the player can be exposed to rigorous and continuous football and at such tender age it is very risky. And with several European giants like Manchester United, Real Madrid and not to forget Arsenal who are closely monitoring Halilovic’s progress Dinamo Zagreb must be careful as they face the risk of losing another potential star. 

Talking about the youngster, Dinamo Zagreb’s coach Ante Cacic heaped praise on Halilovic

“Alen is something. He hits the ball differently and it will be interesting to follow his development. Given his talent and potential, the impression is that he has no limits.”

SoccerSouls analysis of the player

Personal information: 

Date of birth: 18 June 1996 (age 16)

Place of birth: Zagreb, Croatia

Playing position: Attacking midfielder 

Stats: 

Dinamo Zagreb senior team – 2 Appearances – 1 goal

Croatian National team – A total of 15 appearances for various youth team setups, scoring 6 goals.

Alen Halilovic almost scores/assists minutes after making his senior debut for Dinamo Zagreb in the derby vs. Hajduk Split. Have a look at his debut performance 

 

If that is not enough to judge the player, have a look at his compilation video