Peter Sucic – Inter Milan’s new Croatian midfield maestro and Luka Modric’s heir apparent | OneFootball

“Our generation felt unrepeatable, it achieved incredible results, but there are young players like him who could reach even higher heights” – these were the words of AC Milan’s Luka Modric when addressing his Croatian heir apparent and Inter Milan’s new midfield sensation Petar Sucic.

Sucic’s transfer from Dinamo Zagreb to San Siro this summer – a pre-agreement was struck with the Croatian club at the start of the year for around €14 million – didn’t create much hype since he was an unknown commodity.

Moreover, Inter were focused on finding a successor for former manager Simone Inzaghi, while the dispute involving Hakan Calhanoglu, Lautaro Martinez and president Beppe Marotta dominated the headlines.

But now the Nerazzurri must have realised they have unearthed a gem of a midfield prospect in Sucic, following his palpable impact in the first few games.

The Italian giants got the first glimpse of Sucic’s world-class potential when he delivered an assist in a sparkling cameo during the win against River Plate in the Club World Cup.

The 21-year-old has made a great start to the new Serie A season, producing an incredible performance in the 5-0 win against Torino, which included a great assist to Marcus Thuram.

Sucic also showed his ability to influence the different phases of the game. From his precise passing skills and shooting abilities to his impressive defensive solidity, the Croatian is an exciting prodigy to watch out for in Serie A and the Champions League this season.

Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the two veteran midfielders, could be playing their final season at San Siro due to the uncertainty over their futures, however, Inter have a readymade solution in Sucic, who has all the tools to spearhead the midfield for the foreseeable future.

Croatia’s future star

Sucic is undoubtedly the next real deal from Croatia’s never-ending talent pipeline and can mark an era with the national team.

With the previous generation of midfield stalwarts like Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic at the ebb of their careers, young sensations like Sucic and Martin Baturina are ready to take up the mantle.

Sucic, who has already earned 10 caps, was outstanding during the 4-0 win against Montenegro in a World Cup Qualifying game last night, leading to praise from his midfield partner Modric, with whom he will soon lock horns in the Milan derby.

“He’s a very strong player and a great guy,” said the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner. “We’ve already played together before, and he’s shown his qualities. It’s no coincidence that he’s signed for a top club like Inter. You will certainly get to know him a bit better and see his talent.

“He can still improve, I enjoy playing with him and I hope that he always continues to improve, even if we will face each other in the derby soon, we will see how he treats me. Let’s hope he respects me and doesn’t go too quickly. But for the moment, I’m enjoying playing with him.”

Sucic can see himself partnering with the 40-year-old Modric in the FIFA World Cup next year if he continues his fine form.

The Croatian prodigy can also tip the scales for Inter in the pursuit of silverware this season under Chivu.