Domagoj Pavicic

21     Midfielder     Dinamo Zagreb     Croatia

Skinny

Sent out on loan to Lokomotiva for first team minutes, Croatia’s once next big thing impressed accordingly over three seasons with the club. Having played for every international youth level available since the age of 14 big things were expected and given the chance he delivered with some good performances and his first goals in senior football. In 2014/15 he progressed to first team regular and began to really show what he could do in senior football. On returning to his parent club it was felt now was the time to make his mark, so how has he started this season?

2015 has been…

…a mini boom and then a big bust.

To be honest it’s been a disappointment. He’s been described as “Dinamo’s future” but in reality he hasn’t forced his way into the first team and an injury has halted progress further. He’s currently getting his fitness back and playing for the club’s seconds and whilst everyone remains glowing in their praise at his potential, it really is time he starts to repay that word count.

It’s worth pointing out how he plays as even the most devout of our readers will most likely never have seen him as the opportunities have been few and far between. Pavičić is an attacking midfielder who works best through the middle, tall, powerful and incredibly comfortable on the ball. He’s also a very good finisher, remarkably calm for his age in front of goal, and if you do get the chance to see him you may well understand what the fuss is about.

What’s next?

It’s obvious, but he has to force his way into that first team. He’s a bright player, accomplished and ready, but he has to not only push himself forward for selection but also make it impossible to drop him. This is a 21-year old, not a 17-year old kid who should be fluttering in and out of the side. It really is now or never in terms of his future with Dinamo.

If it doesn’t happen he needs to be brave and take a move. If he stays within the league anywhere else is obviously a downwards or at best sideways step, but he needs to understand his career has yet to really begin. It’s great to be thought of as highly as he is, and all the right people are saying all the right things, but there is not substitute for playing first team football. One way or another change is coming, and it could already be his next move that decides his longer-term destiny.

D     A harsh mark but representative of where he is right now, getting into that or another first team is his one and only mission this season