As the 2024/25 season unfolds, emerging talents from the Croatian HNL are making their mark and catching the attention of clubs across Europe. Among the standout young players are Salim Fago Lawal, Marko Soldo, and Dominik Prpic. Each of these players has demonstrated exceptional promise in their respective positions—Lawal as a dynamic forward, Soldo as a commanding defensive midfielder, and Prpic as a solid center-back. Utilizing the Comparisonator platform to analyze their performances so far this season, we gain valuable insights into their key strengths and potential for future development.
Salim Fago Lawal (CF – ’02) – Istra 1961
Salim Fago Lawal, the 21-year-old midfielder for Istra 1961, has demonstrated notable performance metrics in his recent matches. His statistics reveal a player who excels in several areas while also highlighting opportunities for improvement. Lawal’s contributions on the field, as reflected in his successful dribbles, touches in the box, and progressive passes, paint a picture of a dynamic and influential midfielder. However, his expected goals (xG) suggest there is room for growth in terms of converting opportunities into tangible results.
Marko Soldo (DMF – ’03) – Osijek
Marko Soldo, another promising talent from the 2003 generation, plays as a defensive midfielder for Osijek. Soldo’s statistics reveal his skill in ball control and defensive contributions. With 2.25 successful dribbles per game, he demonstrates notable dribbling prowess that allows him to evade opponents and drive play forward. His ball carrying (0.75) and successful sliding tackles (0.75) show his effectiveness in both retaining possession and disrupting the opposition’s play. Additionally, Soldo’s impressive tally of 11.25 ground duels won reflects his combative nature and ability to control the midfield battles, positioning him as a critical component in Osijek’s midfield.
Dominik Prpic (CB – ’04) – Radomlje
Dominik Prpic, born in 2004, has been making a name for himself as a center-back at Radomlje. His defensive capabilities are underscored by his remarkable ball recoveries, with 14.48 per game, showcasing his ability to regain possession effectively. His counterpressing recoveries (6.27) and pass interceptions (4.1) emphasize his proactive defensive approach and reading of the game. Despite these strengths, his passes into the penalty box (0.24) suggest a more conservative approach in initiating attacking plays from the back. Overall, Prpic’s defensive metrics highlight his potential to become a key defensive presence, with the ability to disrupt opposition attacks and regain possession effectively.
