Scout Report – Nikola Vlasic
According to reports from the Daily Mail, Everton have launched a £8million bid for Hajduk Split midfielder Nikola Vlasic.
The report claims that the Toffees were impressed with the youngster’s displays when the two sides clashed in the UEFA Europa League playoffs earlier this month and manager Ronald Koeman is keen on bringing him to the Goodison Park before the transfer deadline.
Here we bring you the lowdown on who exactly Vlasic is and what will he be adding to Everton, if they sign him.
Footballing Background
Born on 4 October 1997, in Split, Croatia, Vlasic started off with the academy of NK Omladinac Vranjic, before joining the Hajduk Split academy in 2009 as a 12-year old.
Having impressed heavily for the youth teams, the midfielder signed his first professional contract with the club in 2013. He made his senior debut in July 2014, in a Europa League qualifier game against Dundalk. Vlasic went on to score in the game, becoming Split’s youngest ever goal-scorer in continental competitions. He became a regular for the first-team in 2014-15 season, notching up 37 appearances in which he scored 4 goals and assisted 3 more.
He followed it up with 2 goals and 7 assists in 34 games in the 2015-16 campaign, following which he was appointed as the club’s vice-captain heading into the 2016-17 season. He finished last season with 4 goals and 9 assists in 37 outings and has started the new season on a strong note, already netting 3 goals in the Croatian top-flight.
A regular at all age groups for the Croatian national side, Vlasic made his debut for the senior team in May earlier this year and that remains his sole appearance till date.
Style of Play
Primarily a central attacking midfielder, Vlasic is equally comfortable playing out on the flanks and has, on occasions been used as a supporting striker behind the main centre-forward as well.
The 19-year old possesses good pace and has demonstrated exceptional close control of the ball in his fledgeling career so far. What sets him apart though, is his technical prowess. His silky touch, neat and eye-catching footwork, combined with the eye for a pass, make him an exciting addition for Everton’s attack. Vlasic is someone who can run at defenders with the ball at his feet, play inch-perfect passes in behind the defence or hit crosses with pinpoint accuracy into the box from the wide areas.
What Does The Future Hold?
Vlasic is someone who has displayed great potential in his young career. The 19-year old has attracted the interest of some big clubs in the past, and that should be a good indicator of the kind of talent that the Croatian international is.
At £8million, if he goes on to fulfil his immense potential, Vlasic could prove to be an excellent buy for the Toffees.
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