Celtic defender Josip Juranovic is set for 2 huge encounters against France with Croatia in games that will see him come against world-class talent.
Josip has been Zlatko Dalic’s number 1 right-back since November 2020 and has made it his own ever since moving to Celtic Park. He looks set to be the main man for the Croats in Qatar as the World Cup approaches.
But before then, Croatia have plenty of tasty matches to look forward to in the Nations League. In their upcoming 4-game schedule, they’ll host Austria and France before trips to Denmark and the French once more.
That means Josip is going to come up against one of the best frontlines in world football. The likes of Real Madrid superstar Karim Benzema, PSG’s Kylian Mbappe, and Atletico Madrid man Antoine Griezmann will likely be up against Josip’s backline.
His direct rival at right-back will most likely be Mbappe – a challenge that would provide the ultimate of tests ahead of next season’s UEFA Champions League campaign.
Juranovic has come up against the likes of Portugal and Sweden since breaking into the Croatia team. However, the World Champions will provide him with his stiffest international tests yet as they prepare to battle in the Nations League.
Josip Juranovic will be put to the test against world-class opposition
Juranovic will absolutely relish these tussles with the world’s best. That’s the kind of attitude he has. He’ll be full of excitement and he’ll know he has the game to stifle anyone if he can produce to the levels we know he’s capable of.
Josip is Croatia’s first-choice right-back for a reason. He’s managed to keep his spot for nearly 2 years now. That’s because Dalic knows what he can offer in terms of energy, one-v-one defending, and support in attack.
But for Celtic supporters, he’s untested when it comes to the very top level. The same goes for so many of Ange Postecoglou’s new signings last summer. They bossed it in the Premiership, but against the elite of world football? That’s something we’ve still to learn.
Should Josip manage to put the shackles on the French frontline next week, it would be a major boost for the Celtic supporters. Even if he simply impresses over the course of the 90 minutes or holds his own – that would be enough of a sign that he’s ready to compete at the very top next season.
Sure, players would undoubtedly love to have some off-time after the season just ended. But coming up against world-class opposition is a massive opportunity for the likes of Josip to showcase what he’s all about.
Hopefully, he shows up well when the time comes as he looks almost certain to hang onto his right-back spot.
In other news, Video: Celtic’s Daizen Maeda looking extremely impressive in Japan training session
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