As the 2025/26 Croatia 1.HNL season progresses, several young talents are making their mark. Here are three standout U23 players who have been turning heads with their performances. Sergi Dominguez from Dinamo Zagreb, Rokas Pukstas from Hajduk Split and Aleks Stojakovic from Lokomotiva Zagreb are analyzed based on data from Comparisonator platform. Their impressive statistics highlight their influence on the pitch and their potential for future success.
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Sergi Domínguez (CB – ’05) – Dinamo Zagreb
Sergi Domínguez‘s CompaGPT Parameters League Duels report:
Domínguez leads his peer group with a 68.15% overall duels won rate, ranking 1st out of 7, well ahead of the next best performer (Branimir Mlacic, 60.21%). This suggests not only frequent engagement but also strong decision-making in timing challenges. From a tactical perspective, this reliability can be valuable in defensive structures where centre-backs are exposed to isolated situations, such as mid-blocks or man-oriented defensive phases. He ranks 1st out of 7 in air duels won per match (3.41) and also leads both offensive (1.71) and defensive air duels won (1.71). His 73.42% aerial duel success rate is also the best in the group. Compared to players like Cheikh Mbacke Diop and Styopa Mkrtchyan, Domínguez shows superior efficiency and balance in both penalty areas. This points toward strong timing, positioning, and physical presence, making him suitable for teams that defend crosses frequently or use centre-backs as aerial targets on set pieces. Domínguez ranks 1st out of 7 in ground duels per match (7.24), ground duels won (5.12), defensive ground duels (5.65), and defensive ground duels won (4.12). He also places 2nd for ground duels won percentage (70.73%). This shows a defender who is particularly strong when stepping out to stop attackers on the ground. Tactically, this may suit defensive schemes where centre-backs are asked to defend aggressively in front-foot situations rather than retreating deep.
Sergi Domínguez’s seasonal data positions him as one of the most dominant U23 centre-backs in the league in duels performance. His standout parameters include total duels, duels won, aerial duels won (both offensive and defensive), defensive ground duels, and overall duel success rate, where he consistently ranks 1st out of 7. Tactically, he may be best utilized in systems that value duel dominance, individual defensive responsibility, and aerial security, particularly in mid-to-low blocks or physically demanding leagues. His lower involvement in pressing and offensive ground duels suggests he may be less suited to extremely aggressive high-press structures, but his efficiency and consistency in core defensive duels can make him a reliable centre-back for teams prioritizing defensive stability.
Sergi Domínguez (CB – ’05) – Dinamo Zagreb
Rokas Pukstas (AMF – ’04) – Hajduk Split
Rokas Pukstas‘s CompaGPT Parameters League Offensive report:
Pukstas ranks 1st out of 15 in Expected Goals (xG) with 0.29 per match and 2nd out of 15 in Goals with 0.31 per match. The gap to the next-best xG performer (Luka Stojković, 0.16) is significant, indicating that Pukstas consistently arrives in high-quality scoring zones. This profile suggests a midfielder who times late box entries well and positions himself close to goal rather than relying on low-probability shots from distance. Tactically, he can be used as an advanced midfielder attacking the box, especially in structured possession phases. He ranks 1st out of 15 in Progressive Runs (3.31 per match). This highlights his ability to move the ball forward under control and break opposition lines through carrying rather than passing. Compared to the next-best performer (Adriano Jaguzić, 3.25), Pukstas slightly leads the group, reinforcing his value in transition phases and against mid-blocks. This can be effective when used as a vertical connector between midfield and attack. Pukstas ranks 1st out of 15 in Touches in the Box (4.15 per match) and Opportunities (1.92 per match). These numbers clearly separate him from peers, with the next-best touch-in-box figure dropping to 2.0. This indicates a strong instinct for occupying dangerous spaces and being directly involved in decisive moments. From a tactical perspective, this supports using him close to the striker line rather than deeper in buildup.
Rokas Pukstas’ best seasonal rankings come in Expected Goals, Progressive Runs, Touches in the Box, Opportunities, and overall Offensive Actions, positioning him as one of the most dangerous under-23 attacking midfielders in Croatia in terms of direct goal impact. His profile aligns more with a box-arriving, goal-oriented AMF rather than a creative hub. Tactical usage may favor deploying him high between the lines, close to goal, with creative responsibility supported by teammates, allowing his movement, timing, and finishing presence to be maximized.
Rokas Pukstas (AMF – ’04) – Hajduk Split
Aleks Stojakovic (CF – ’04) – Lokomotiva Zagreb
Aleks Stojakovic‘s CompaGPT Parameters League Offensive report:
Stojakovic ranks 1st out of 4 CFs in Goals (0.27), Shots (2.07), and Shots on Target (0.8) per match. These values slightly outperform direct competitors such as Salim Fago Lawal (0.25 goals, 0.75 shots on target). This combination suggests a forward who consistently gets into shooting positions and maintains a reliable volume of attempts. Tactically, this profile fits a striker who can be trusted as a primary finisher within structured attacking phases. He leads the positional group in Expected Goals (0.41) and Opportunities (1.87) per match, ranking 1st out of 4 in both metrics. Compared to Daniel Adu-Adjei (0.35 xG, 1.82 opportunities), Stojakovic’s numbers indicate strong movement inside the box and effective anticipation of scoring situations. This suggests he may benefit from systems that emphasize penalty-area presence rather than deep build-up involvement. Stojakovic is 1st out of 4 in Playing in Scoring Attacks (0.47) and Touches in the Box (3.47) per match. These figures are clearly above peers like Lawal (0.38 scoring attacks, 3 box touches). This highlights a striker who stays connected to decisive attacking moments, indicating tactical suitability for teams that prioritize quick progression into the final third.
A. Stojakovic’s strongest seasonal indicators are Goals, xG, Shots, Shots on Target, Touches in the Box, Playing in Scoring Attacks, and Assist-related metrics, all ranking 1st among under-23 CFs in the league. His profile points toward a box-oriented striker with strong positional sense and finishing volume, rather than a ball-dominant or transition-led forward. Tactical usage may favor central roles in possession-based or direct systems, where chance creation is handled externally and his primary task is attacking spaces inside the penalty area and finishing moves.
Aleks Stojakovic (CF – ’04) – Lokomotiva Zagreb
