Tottenham Hotspur have high hopes for young Croatian defender Luka Vuskovic. The promising centre-back officially joined Spurs from Hajduk Split in September 2023. Now, after a series of loan spells, the towering defender is back in North London. Many are eager to see if he can break into the first team.
Vuskovic has been on the radar of top European clubs since he was just 16. His combination of size, technical ability, and leadership qualities has made him a highly sought-after prospect. Now 18, he is ready to prove his worth at Tottenham.
A star in the making?
Born in Split, Croatia, Luka Vuskovic quickly rose through the ranks at Hajduk Split. He made his professional debut shortly after turning 16, becoming the youngest player to ever feature in the Croatian top flight. Just days later, he scored his first senior goal, becoming the youngest goalscorer in Hajduk Split’s history.
Tottenham moved quickly to secure his signature in September 2023 for a reported £12 million. Manchester City were also interested, but Spurs won the race for the young defender. He was then immediately loaned back to Hajduk Split, before further loan spells in Poland and Belgium.
During his loan spell with Westerlo in Belgium, Luka Vuskovic enjoyed a productive season. As a result, he found the net seven times in the league, a remarkable feat for a centre-back. This goal-scoring ability has added to the excitement surrounding his potential.
How Luka Vuskovic impressed Tottenham’s coaching staff
Upon returning to Tottenham, Vuskovic made an instant impression in a pre-season friendly against Reading. He scored a goal, provided an assist, and helped the team keep a clean sheet. This performance has only heightened expectations for his future at the club. Furthermore, the performance shows that he may be ready to compete for a place in the starting eleven.
Tottenham manager, Thomas Frank, is known for giving young players opportunities. Therefore, there is a strong possibility that Vuskovic will get his chance to shine in the first team sooner rather than later. The club hopes he can solidify the defense.
Croatian roots: Family history fuels Vuskovic’s ambition
Football runs deep in the Vuskovic family. His father played for Hajduk Split and now coaches their youth teams. Meanwhile, his grandfather also represented the club at the youth level. His great-grandfather even featured for Hajduk during World War II.
Vuskovic has cited Josko Gvardiol as his defensive role model. He admires Gvardiol’s aggressive style and believes they share similar traits on the pitch. Vuskovic earned his first senior call-up to the Croatian national team while still on loan. As a result, he has also earned his first cap for Croatia.
Vuskovic was named on the Goal Next Gen list. Individually, Vuskovic was awarded the Belgian Golden Shoe Goal of the Season for 2024. He has made 60 senior appearances in his career so far, scoring 13 goals and providing 4 assists. This impressive record further underscores his potential.
The young Croatian centre-back has all the tools to become a star for Tottenham. His combination of physical attributes, technical skills, and goal-scoring ability make him a unique prospect. Now it is up to Vuskovic to seize his opportunity and prove he belongs in the Premier League. Tottenham fans will be watching with great anticipation.
