From Hajduk Split to Everton Football Club, what a week it has been for this Split footballer!
As part of the fourth round of the English Premier League, Everton hosted Tottenham at Goodison Park this afternoon. Everton lost to the Spurs 0:3, and by now you might be wondering why this result is on our radar.
One of Croatia’s most promising young footballers, Nikola Vlašić, had his debut for the Blues today, and it’s safe to say that it was a bittersweet moment for Hajduk fans across Croatia.
The 19-year-old Split born footballer whose career was at Hajduk before the Premier League was responsible for the largest transfer ever for the Croatian club. To refresh your memory, Vlašić was sold to Everton from Hajduk after his excellent play in the European League playoffs between the two clubs. Vlašić was transferred to the club for £10m on transfer deadline day.
Everton Football Club
Just a little over one week since the record transfer was made, Vlašić saw his place on the pitch at Goodison Park as the substitute for Idriss Gueye in the 80th minute.
Vlašić’s debut today was expected by fans after Everton coach Ronald Koeman praised the young Croat at the pre-game press conference earlier this week.
“He will be part of the squad this weekend, yes,” Koeman said, before he added:
“Nikola Vlašić was on our list because he is one of the biggest talents in Europe in my opinion. We had two games against Hajduk Split and in those two games he impressed me with his qualities,” the coach concluded.
Bravo Nikola!
