Next Generation 2018: 2 Croatians among best 60 young talents in world football 

Mario Vušković (Hajduk.hr)

One of the UK’s leading newspapers, The Guardian, has released their annual list of the best 60 young football talents in the world. 

The Guardian has identified 60 of the best players in the world born in 2001 with two Croatians making the list, including one they are calling the ‘Croatian Neymar’.

The players who made the Next Generation 2018 are:

Antonio Marin – Dinamo Zagreb

Antonio Marin (HNS)

“One of those natural talents to whom the eye is instantly drawn because of the energy, superior coordination and high confidence he displays, wreaking havoc in defences with his rapid changes of direction, dribbling skills and ability to shoot with both feet. A Croatian Neymar in the making, if you will. Best suited for the role of inside forward, he made his debut for Dinamo’s senior squad in May. Has been drawing the interest of top European clubs for years,” writes The Guardian. 

Mario Vušković – Hajduk Split

Mario Vušković (HNS)

“Aged 15 years and three months, he was the youngest member of Croatia Under-17s squad on his debut in February 2017. And then the youngest in the next Under-17s crop as well. “What sets him apart and suggests he might end up playing at an elite level is his unusual set of skills,” says Krešimir Gojun, head of the Hajduk academy. “He’s not just dominant in challenges but also exceptional in buildup play. He often scores goals and can score from free-kicks like a No 10.” Made his debut (and scored) this summer for Hajduk’s reserves in the second division,” says The Guardian.

You can see the full Next Generation 2018 list of players here.