Liverpool are lining up a move for one of the hottest properties in Croatian football, Ante Coric. The youngster was part of the Euro 2016 squad which was just knocked out by Portugal in a rather drab game, but is set to become one of the best players in the world.
Coric is just 19-years-old and there are many who would be thinking just who the player actually is? Not to worry, we look at the probable signing for Liverpool and list out the five things you must know about the talented player.
He snubbed Barcelona, Chelsea and Bayern Munich
The youngster was lined up by many top clubs for a move in 2009 and he had a offers from Barcelona, Chelsea and Bayern Munich to name a few, but he chose to move to Red Bull Salzburg as he believed that the training and players at the Austrian club were better than the players at the other teams that were interested in him.
Youngest goal scorer in Europa League history
His quality did shine through and Coric started getting more and more games for his club, Dinamo Zagreb, who he joined after his stint with Salzburg. The Croatian did score in the 2014-15 season against Astra Giurgiu in a 5-1 win. He became the youngest scorer in the competition at the age of 17 years and 157 days.
Has a football playing brother
Ante isn’t the only Coric that plays football, his older brother Josip is also a professional footballer and plays for NK Sesvete. He has had a long journey in football and has played for a range of clubs from Dinamo Zagreb to Istra 1961. Josip is 27 at the moment, but hasn’t had the kind of fame and support than his younger brother seems to have found.
Is one of the brightest Croatian players around
Coric was also awarded the “Hope of the Year” title as he was the brightest football prospects in the country. A number of great players have already lifted the title such as Ivica Olic and Luka Modric.
He made his Croatia debut in May 2016
His rise up the ranks in the senior team has been incredible as well and he made his debut for the senior national side in May 2016, just a few months ago! He does seem to be the real deal and could be a player for a long time in the Premier League if he does sign for the Reds.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-22uQO6phg]
Source: Soccer Souls