As the countdown to Euro 2024 gathers pace, all eyes are on Croatia, a team that has consistently punched above its weight on the international stage.
With the tournament drawing closer, speculation abounds on who will make Zlatko Dalic's squad for the showpiece event in Germany.
The Backbone of Experience
Central to Croatia's plans are seasoned campaigners such as Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, and Mateo Kovacic.
These players form the spine of a squad that has demonstrated resilience and skill in equal measure.
Modric, in particular, continues to defy his age, orchestrating play with the same vigour and precision that has defined his illustrious career.
Alongside him, Perisic's versatility and Kovacic's midfield dynamism will be crucial for Croatia's ambitions.
Injecting Youthful Exuberance
Croatia is also buoyed by the emergence of young talents who have taken the international stage in their stride.
Josko Gvardiol and Josip Sutalo represent the new generation of Croatian defenders, combining physicality with technical prowess.
Their performances in the lead-up to Euro 2024 will be keenly watched, as they blend with the experienced core to fortify Croatia's defence.
Squad Depth and Flexibility
Goalkeeping responsibilities are likely to be spearheaded by Dominik Livakovic, with a strong contingent comprising Nediljko Labrovic, Ivica Ivusic, and Dominik Kotarski likely providing ample backup.
The defence sees a mix of reliability and potential with players like Josip Stanisic, Borna Sosa, and Domagoj Vida.
The midfield, Croatia's engine room, boasts of talents like Lovro Majer and Marcelo Brozovic, whose roles will be pivotal in linking play and setting the tempo.
In attack, Andrej Kramaric's experience will be invaluable, supported by younger options like Bruno Petkovic, ensuring Croatia has depth and variety up front.
Squad Predictions
Here are the players that we believe could be heading to the tournament, although this will need to be broken down to 23 players nearer the date of Euro 2024:
Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic (Fenerbahce), Nediljko Labrovic (Rijeka), Ivica Ivusic (Pafos) and Dominik Kotarski (PAOK).
Defenders: Josip Stanisic (Bayer Leverkusen), Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City), Martin Erlic (Sassuolo), Josip Sutalo (Ajax), Borna Sosa (Ajax), Domagoj Vida (AEK Athens), Marin Pongracic (Lecce) and Josip Juranovic (Union Berlin).
Midfielders: Lovro Majer (Wolfsburg), Martin Baturina (Dinamo Zagreb), Luka Sucic (Red Bull Salzburg), Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Marcelo Brozovic (Al Nassr), Nikola Vlasic (Torino), Luka Ivanusec (Feyenoord), Mario Pasalic (Atalanta), Nikola Moro (Bologna) and Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City).
Forwards Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim), Marko Pjaca (Rijeka), Ante Budimir (Osasuna), Ivan Perisic (Hajduk Split on loan from Tottenham) and Bruno Petkovic (Dinamo Zagreb).
FAQs
How many players can Croatia take to Euro 2024? UEFA has reverted to a 23-player squad limit for Euro 2024, including three goalkeepers, after temporary expansions in previous tournaments due to COVID-19.
Who is Croatia's key player for Euro 2024? Luka Modric remains the talisman for Croatia, with his leadership and midfield mastery expected to be central to Croatia's campaign.
Who manages the Croatia national team? Zlatko Dalic continues at the helm, aiming to guide Croatia through another successful major tournament following a memorable run to the 2018 World Cup final.
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