Milan, Chelsea, Villareal, Sevilla, Tottenham Hotspur, Atalanta. Pretty strong clubs, right? – Mislav Orsic scored against every one of them in European competitions. A resume much bigger names would be proud of during their career. Oh, and he’s got a hattrick against Atalanta AND a tie winning hattrick against Spurs. Moving on…
ABOUT MISLAV ORSIC
Orsic started his youth career at small Croatian sides Tresnjevka and Kustosija. In 2008. he joins Inter Zapresic for a reported €12,000. He goes on to make his senior debut a year later and eventually becomes the youngest ever player to score a hat trick in the Croatian First League (17 years and 135 days).
Spezia realize his potential and buy him but his Serie B adventure lasts for a year after which he returns to Croatia’s Rijeka which doesn’t work out either.
Mislav Orsic was looking for his spot under the sun all over the world with the most notable stint ending up at Ulsan Hyundai where he wins the Cup in the 2016/17 season.
Dinamo acquired him in 2018/19 for €1M and never looked back since. He’s won the league with them in every single season in Croatia with a double in 2020/21. The now 29-year-old is Dinamo’s all-time top scorer in European competitions. He is also #1 when it comes to goals scored by players playing for Croatian clubs in European competitions in general.
PLAYER PROFILE
Orsic is a tricky right footer who loves to cut inside from the left in search of a quick give-and-go or a far post finish.
It’s precisely the far post shot that has become his trademark nowadays. Don’t think he’s a “one trick pony” with his shot selection though. He can shoot curlers, up and down knuckleballs, power shots, near post… you name it. He’s got venom in his shots.
He’s got a quick first step and a good work rate. As a dribbler, he’s got a big step and the ball sticks to his feet mostly. He can combine everywhere but he’s at his most dangerous drifting inside and in and around the box.
He’s currently on 2 in 2 in the Champions League and on 6 goals in 10 in the league with another 5 assists to his name in the competition.
Career highlight
Mourinho felt firsthand what Orsic is about in a Europa League last 16 game when he was in charge of Tottenham in 2021. Spurs went into the away game looking to finish the business after going into the tie with a 2-0 first leg victory.
But Mislav Orsic had different plans. He scored in the 62nd and 82nd minute to take the game to extra time where he scored the decisive winner to pull the big underdog Dinamo through.
He took the ball in his step and went on a dribbling mission by himself before unleashing a powerful strike into Lloris’ bottom corner.
WHAT NEXT FOR HIM?
Mislav Orsic had a Burnley transfer pending last year but ultimately decided to stay and sign a new deal with the club. “I was willing to do my best to try to help Burnley play in the Premier League next year as well. Anyone who has played football or is an active fan and follower of football understands what I am talking about.”
“However, the sports reason and putting the icing on the cake of my career with the club’s desire to stay and the decision I made, I understood and understood the message to me, and to the fans of our club. Let’s go get the title!.”
“I will do my best until the last second of my stay at the club, as I have been giving so far.”
Orsic is in his absolute prime right now and could prove to be a very good addition to many European clubs. But at 29, the opportunities might not be as big as before. I personally feel he might have a gentlemen’s agreement with his current club and if another offer like Burnley comes along, he might take it. It’s all up to him as I don’t believe Dinamo would stand in his way if they got a good offer considering everything he’s done for them.
