Celtic hero Josip Juranovic replaces domestic rival Barisic at left-back for Croatia

By Lewis Laird

June 10, 2022

Celtic defender Josip Juranovic has kept his place in the Croatian backline this evening as they take on Denmark.

However, it won’t be in his regular right-back position.

Instead, Juranovic will take the place of Rangers full-back Borna Barisic on the left-hand side of the Croatian defence, per the UEFA teamsheet.

Of course, that role isn’t unfamiliar to Juranovic, having spent periods of last season at left-back under Ange Postecoglou.

The former Legia Warsaw man was trusted on his weaker side during the absence of the injured Greg Taylor, who missed a large chunk of the opening months of the season.

With that in mind, Croatian boss Zlatko Dalić has turned to Juranovic whilst also bringing Atletico Madrid right-back Šime Vrsaljko back into the fold on the right flank. Barisic had started the last encounter against France on the left flank.

Josip Juranovic valued in the Croatian team

Juranovic’s versatility is a nice bit of added value to his overall quality.

It was shown in some big games last year, such as the Hoops’ trip to face Bayer Leverkusen on the road in Germany during our Europa League campaign.

So, it will come as no surprise to Celtic fans to see the full-back being trusted on the big stage as his nation goes on the hunt for their first Nations League win, off the back of an impressive 1-1 draw with France.

Having just come back from injury, the last few games have provided Juranovic with an opportunity to keep his fitness and match sharpness up, which will only bode well for Postecoglou’s side going into next season.

We wish Josip all the best and will update you if anything notable happens tonight!

In other news, Report: Genk joined Celtic on midfielder scouting mission.