Early decision: HSV star already guaranteed a place at the World Cup! | OneFootball

For Luka Vuskovic, it has been a weekend of mixed feelings. While the HSV's defensive chief was forced to watch the Bundesliga match in Mainz due to a yellow card suspension, he received positive news off the field.

His participation in the upcoming World Cup seems to be a done deal. The good news was announced by Croatia's U21 national coach Ivica Olić. Speaking to the sports newspaper Sportske novosti, the former HSV striker said: “I will still talk to Zlatko Dalić, but I can already say that Vuskovic will travel to America with the A-team.”

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For the young defender, this means that long before the final squad announcement at the end of the season, he can prepare for an eventful summer.

The World Cup, taking place from June 11 to July 19 in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, is likely to become the next major step in his career. Croatia will face England, Panama, and Ghana in the group stage. That Vuskovic is firmly planned despite his young age is hardly surprising given his strong performances in the HSV jersey. Olić is also full of praise for his protégé: “His development is incredible, fascinating for everyone.”

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With the nomination, Vuskovic's dual role in the national team comes to an end. “For him, the matter with the young team is done,” Olić stated clearly. After the center-back recently alternated between the A-national team and U21, he is now to fully concentrate on the men's team.

“Luka plays so well at HSV that he is among the best defenders in the Bundesliga,” said Olić, adding: “He has immediately established himself as the defensive chief, his style of play is simply incredible. It is not age-appropriate.”

The statistics prove him right: In almost all aerial and duel statistics, Vuskovic ranks among the absolute elite of the Bundesliga. Additional opportunities arise due to the injury-related absence of Croatia's defensive star Joško Gvardiol, who is currently unavailable for Manchester City due to a shinbone fracture.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.