CSKA Moscow paid just €16 million for Nikola Vlasic, and the Croatian appears to be enjoying life in the Russian Premier League. The midfielder struggled to adapt to the English top-flight, but he has already found the net twice this season for Viktor Goncharenko’s men. He also notched his first goal for Croatia on September 6th, holding off two defenders before expertly finding the bottom corner. It was an important strike which helped break the deadlock at the City Arena Trnava, and his overall performance levels continue to catch the eye.
CSKA midfielder Nikola Vlasic with his first goal for Croatia to put them ahead vs Slovakia
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In just 82 minutes on the pitch, Vlasic completed 50 passes, ended the game with 84% pass accuracy, won three tackles, and scored the opening goal of the contest. His constant pressing and ability to drive forward made the difference in the first half, and he is clearly a player with plenty of confidence. Croatia fans are understandably excited about the 21-year old, with many supporters labeling him as the ‘best player on the pitch’ against Slovakia.
Vlasic struggled at Everton although he freely admitted that the football played under Sam Allardyce was ‘awful’. The change in management didn’t help him adapt to the Premier League, and he never quite settled at Goodison Park. He was sent on loan to CSKA Moscow and made an immediate impression with eight goals and seven assists in 31 appearances. His form helped lift the capital club to a fourth-place finish, and they moved quickly to secure his services on a permanent basis.
He’s notched twice already this season, scoring at the VEB Arena against both Orenburg and Akhmat Grozny. He averages three key passes per match with only Lokomotiv’s Anton Miranchuk having a better record in the Russian Premier League so far. He’s also the second most fouled player in the division, winning his side a number of crucial set-pieces in key areas.
Goncharenko’s side looks like genuine title challengers this season, and Vlasic is likely to play a significant role in helping them finish above both Zenit and early pacesetters Krasnodar. CSKA Moscow will also be required to juggle both domestic and European commitments, and have been drawn in Group H of the Europa League alongside Ludogorets, Espanyol, and Ferencvaros.
Nikola Vlasic vs Azerbaijan
5 key passes
83.3% passing accuracy
2 shots on target
3 dribbles completed
8 ground duels won
2 tackles won
All action performance from the youngster.
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Many Everton fans believe that Vlasic should have been given more time to develop at the club, and some have even suggested that he would have flourished playing alongside the likes of Richarlison and summer signing Moise Kean. The latter is yet to find the net since arriving from Juventus, but it is surely only a matter of time before he gets off the mark for the Toffees. With the 19-year old still adapting to the top flight, it could be a good time for those who play the new Daily Fantasy Sports game using the Paddy Power account to include the Italian in their squad as Marco Silva looks set to keep the faith with the Vercelli-born striker.
Everton’s loss is CSKA Moscow’s gain, and after signing a five-year contract with the club, he is likely to continue his development over the next couple of seasons. Vlasic has been instrumental so far this season, and he also looks set to become a star on the International stage as well. His confidence is sky-high at the minute, and you wouldn’t bet against the 21-year old helping his side to secure their first Russian Premier League title in four years.
Since returning from international break action, CSKA suffered a shocking 5-1 loss away to Ludogorets after collapsing despite holding a relatively healthy 1-0 lead. Despite the scoreline, Vlasic picked up the assist from a superb free-kick ably finished off by central defender Igor Diveev. At the weekend, however, he truly shone. The Croat picked up two goals and an assist as the Army Men defeated title-rivals Krasnodar 3-2 – taking his total this season to six goals and assists in just eleven matches.
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