Luka Vuskovic has yet to kick a ball competitively for Tottenham Hotspur, but he is already one of the most coveted teenage defenders in European football.
The 19-year-old centre-back spent last season on loan at HSV, where he earned a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Season and announced himself to a wider audience.
Vuskovic is now representing Croatia at the World Cup, with the Croatians preparing to face England on Wednesday night in Dallas.
His impressive development has attracted serious transfer interest, with Brighton having a £35million bid rejected for the defender by Tottenham.
Barcelona have also enquired about his availability, underlining just how highly the teenager is rated across the continent.
Vuskovic originally joined Spurs from Hajduk Split last summer, two years after his transfer was first agreed, as EU regulations prevented him from moving before his 18th birthday.
Despite his growing reputation, Vuskovic is still to make a senior appearance for the north London club, and his path could be further blocked if Tottenham complete a £52million deal for Jan Paul van Hecke under Roberto De Zerbi.
Croatia and Shakhtar Donetsk director of football Darijo Srna has followed Vuskovic closely for years and has offered a glowing assessment of what the youngster will go on to achieve.
“I know Luka from when he was a kid because I played in the youth categories at Hajduk Split with his father, Danijel,” Srna told Flashscore. “He is a very good friend of mine. I know Luka and Mario, his two sons. They are amazing kids with amazing talent.”
The former Croatia international wing-back went even further, comparing the teenager’s on-pitch maturity to a player several years his senior.
“Luka has already shown that he will have an amazing future,” Srna said. “He plays with so much confidence that I have the feeling he is a 25-year-old player. For sure, he is part of the future of European football and of the Croatian national team.”
Srna also shared his thoughts on the upcoming clash with England and offered his respect to Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of the fixture.
“I know Thomas Tuchel very well as a coach. I respect him a lot. Of course, he is one of the best coaches in the world. He showed it at Chelsea,” Srna said.
The Croatian football figure insisted the match in Dallas will be closely fought, giving neither side a clear edge going into the contest.
“As Croatian people, we respect England, but I think it will be a very difficult match for both sides. Chances are 50-50 because Croatia is a very good and balanced team, with a lot of experience and young players as well. It will be a very interesting game for me.”
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