Celtic and Croatia star Josip Juranovic may have a fight on his hands for the right-back slot in Glasgow.
But for one of the best national teams in the world, he’s absolutely loving life. Croatia, ranked 18th in the world [FIFA], boast some incredible talents. Ballon D’Or winner Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, Ivan Rakitic and more helped the country get to a World Cup Final in 2018.
Juranovic, who has 13 caps and went to Euro 2020 with his national team, is intent on bringing back to Celtic what he learns from his international exploits. The Croat has made a promising start to life in Glasgow since his £2.5m move [Scottish Sun], showing excellent technical prowess, and even scoring twice.
And as he talked up the influence of Real Madrid superstar Modric, Jurnaovic said the following [Scottish Sun]:
“I love playing for Celtic. But when you play for your country and represent your country at this level of football it is really amazing.
“Also, it gives me the opportunity to play with the best midfield ever.
“We have Luka Modric, but I can also play with Ivan Perisic, who has had an amazing career.
“We also have Dejan Lovren and Mateo Kovacic who has won four Champions Leagues. It’s amazing.
“I have learned everything from them. How to be calm on the ball, how we attack, how we defend, everything. With Luka Modric in your team you are ten times better.”
Croatia and Celtic man Juranovic bringing his international standards to Glasgow
Composed on the ball, an excellent passer and happy to take players on, Croatia star Juranovic has been a really astute signing from Ange Postecoglou. Especially for the bargain price of £2.5m [Sky Sports].
There’s no doubt that the company around him at international level has boosted his game. How could it not? When you’ve got Ballon D’Or and Champions League winners training next to you, raising your game should require no extra motivation.
It’s worth mentioning the talent that Juranovic is keeping out of the Croatia starting line-up, by the way. His most direct competitor is Sime Vrsaljko, with 51 caps and a La Liga to his name with Atletico Madrid.
That’s elite competition. Yet, it’s Celtic man Juranovic who’s been in the Croatia team of late.
At 26, he’ll only amass more caps. In doing so, he’ll develop even further, and be a key player for Celtic in the years to come. We’re still yet to see the best of his wicked deliveries, and his full range of attacking talents, while he’s been in a defence that’s been keeping clean sheets of late.
Exciting times for Celtic and Croatia man Josip Juranovic, then.
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