Josip Juranović, a Croatian right-back, has quickly become one of the most talked-about footballers in recent years. His versatility, defensive prowess, and attacking contributions have made him a key figure for both his national team and his club. Juranović’s journey from a young talent in Croatia to playing in one of the most competitive leagues in Europe is a story worth telling.
Early Life and Career
Josip Juranović was born on August 16, 1995, in Zadar, a city in Croatia. His early years were marked by a passion for football, and it didn’t take long for Juranović to catch the attention of scouts. He began his career at NK Zadar, where he honed his skills before making the leap to Hajduk Split, one of Croatia’s most renowned football clubs.
At Hajduk Split, Juranović had the opportunity to compete in both domestic and European competitions. His performances in the Croatian league were impressive, showcasing his defensive capabilities, stamina, and ability to contribute to the attack. His time at Hajduk Split served as a springboard for the next stage of his career.
The Move to Poland: Legia Warsaw
In 2021, Juranović made the move to Legia Warsaw, one of the top football clubs in Poland. The transfer marked an important step in his career as it gave him the chance to compete in European football more regularly. Juranović’s performances in Ekstraklasa, Poland’s premier league, were outstanding, as he solidified his reputation as one of the best right-backs in the region.
At Legia Warsaw, Juranović became known for his relentless work rate, leadership qualities, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. His overlapping runs, crosses, and ability to deliver dangerous set pieces made him a threat going forward, while his tactical discipline ensured that he was always solid defensively.
The Big Move: Celtic FC
In the summer of 2021, Juranović made a significant move to Celtic FC, one of the biggest football clubs in Scotland. The move to Celtic Park was a major step for Juranović, as he joined a club with a rich history in European and domestic competitions. His arrival was seen as an important signing for Celtic, who were looking to strengthen their squad and compete both domestically in the Scottish Premiership and in European competitions.
Juranović’s debut season in Scotland saw him quickly adapt to the pace and intensity of the Scottish Premiership. He became a regular starter for Celtic, making important contributions on both ends of the pitch. Whether it was his excellent deliveries from the right flank, his tactical intelligence in the defensive third, or his ability to create opportunities for his teammates, Juranović quickly earned the trust of his coach and the admiration of Celtic fans.
International Career: Representing Croatia
Josip Juranović has been a consistent presence in the Croatian national team since his call-up in 2021. His performances for Celtic and his overall development as a right-back earned him a spot in Croatia’s squad for the UEFA Euro 2020 (held in 2021). Although Juranović was not a regular starter at the time, he gained significant international exposure.
His role in the Croatian national team increased after the Euro 2020 tournament. Juranović became a key player for Croatia during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and played a crucial role in helping the team secure their place in the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar. His ability to play both as a right-back and a right wing-back has made him a valuable asset for Croatian coach Zlatko Dalić.
At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Juranović played a pivotal role in Croatia’s impressive run to the semi-finals. He provided valuable defensive contributions and created important attacking opportunities with his pace and crossing ability. His performances in Qatar cemented his status as one of the top right-backs in international football.
Playing Style: Strengths and Attributes
Juranović is often praised for his all-around playing style. His primary role is as a right-back, but his versatility allows him to play as a right wing-back or even in a more advanced attacking position when required. Here are some of the standout qualities that define his playing style:
Defensive Stability: Juranović is known for his solid defensive abilities. He is a reliable tackler, and his positioning allows him to nullify threats on the right side of the pitch. His awareness of the game helps him track wingers and full-backs efficiently.
Attacking Contributions: While his defensive work is important, Juranović is also highly effective in attack. His overlapping runs down the right flank create width and options for his teammates. He is particularly effective at delivering dangerous crosses into the box and contributing to set pieces.
Versatility: One of Juranović’s most valuable attributes is his versatility. He can play in multiple positions, including right-back, right wing-back, and even as a central defender in a back three. His adaptability gives coaches the flexibility to use him in different tactical setups.
Stamina and Work Rate: Juranović is known for his relentless work rate. His ability to cover large distances on the pitch, both offensively and defensively, is one of his most impressive attributes. This stamina allows him to contribute to the team throughout the entire match.
Set Pieces: Juranović has demonstrated proficiency in set-piece situations, particularly when taking free kicks and delivering precise corners. His ability to create goal-scoring opportunities from dead-ball situations is an asset to his teams.
Why Is Josip Juranović Trending?
Juranović’s rise to prominence, both at the club level and on the international stage, has caught the attention of football fans worldwide. His performances for Celtic FC and his instrumental role in the 2022 FIFA World Cup have made him a key figure in both European and international football.
A few reasons why Juranović is trending in recent months include:
Standout Performances for Celtic FC: Juranović has played a major role in Celtic’s domestic success, contributing significantly to their Scottish Premiership triumphs and strong European performances. His attacking runs and defensive stability have made him a fan favorite at Celtic Park.
Impressive World Cup Run: Juranović’s performances during the 2022 FIFA World Cup captured the attention of football fans globally. His contribution to Croatia’s semi-final finish was crucial, and his displays against top international teams only enhanced his reputation as one of the best right-backs in the world.
Transfer Speculation: Due to his strong performances, Juranović has been linked with moves to top clubs across Europe. His displays in the World Cup and Scottish Premiership have made him an attractive option for several clubs looking to strengthen their defensive options.
Position in World Football: Juranović’s rise to prominence comes at a time when the right-back position is incredibly competitive at the international level. His ability to combine defensive strength with attacking contributions makes him a valuable asset for any team.
The Future of Josip Juranović
As of 2023, Josip Juranović remains one of the top right-backs in European football. His future appears promising, with his solid performances at Celtic FC and for the Croatian national team continuing to keep him in the spotlight.
Looking ahead, Juranović is expected to continue to develop and contribute to Celtic’s pursuit of domestic dominance in the Scottish Premiership. His involvement in European competitions will give him the opportunity to showcase his abilities on a bigger stage.
In terms of his international career, Juranović is likely to remain a key player for Croatia, especially with the team targeting success in future UEFA Euro tournaments and FIFA World Cups.
Given his current form and potential, Juranović could also be a player to watch in the upcoming transfer windows. His versatility and all-around skill set make him a target for some of the biggest clubs in Europe, and a future move to a top-tier league is certainly a possibility.
FAQ’s
Who is Josip Juranović?
Josip Juranović is a Croatian professional footballer, born on August 16, 1995, in Zadar, Croatia. Primarily playing as a right-back, he is known for his strong defensive abilities, pace, and offensive contributions on the right flank. Juranović began his career in Croatian football before moving abroad, making notable moves to Legia Warsaw and Celtic FC. He has also become a regular player for the Croatian national team.
Where did Josip Juranović start his career?
Juranović started his footballing journey at NK Zadar, a club based in his hometown. He made his way through the youth ranks and soon played for the senior team. His potential was evident early on, and he moved to Hajduk Split, one of Croatia’s most prestigious football clubs. During his time at Hajduk Split, Juranović gained recognition as one of the most promising right-backs in Croatian football.
To Conclude,
Josip Juranović’s journey from a young talent in Croatia to an established star in European football is a testament to his hard work, determination, and skill. His defensive stability, attacking contributions, and versatility have made him one of the most sought-after right-backs in the game today.
To read more, Click Here
