Meet Your Croat: Vedran Corluka

Here’s Meet Your Croat, volume V:

Name: Vedran Corluka

Born: 5. 2. 1986.

Position: Right Back, Wing Back, Centre Back

Club: Manchester City

National caps: 20(0)

Biography:
Started his career in Dinamo Zagreb. After graduating through Dinamo’s youth systems, he went on a one year loan to Inter Zapresic back in 2004/2005. It was a rather successful spell, as Corluka played a major part in what was to be Inter’s highest league finish (2nd) in clubs history.

He went back to Dinamo the next year, and soon after he booked himself a place in Zagreb’s first eleven. Also, his fine form caught Bilic’s eye (NT youth coach at that time) who went on to call him up and make him a key U21 player. Soon after Bilic took over our senior side, Corluka was promoted to the “A” team and has been an invaluable asset ever since.

These days Corluka earns his money playing at Manchester City, after having transferred there back last season for a reported sum of £8m. He’s had a quite outstanding first season in England, gathering a total of 35 appearances and impressing both fans and pundits on more than one occasion.

On The Pitch:
First thing you’ll notice is that, even if he’s a defender on paper, he possesses excellent technique.
This is even more so impressive considering the fact that he’s a pretty tall player (193cm). This quality touch is something he definitely makes use of when contributing to his team’s offensive efforts. He’s often a menace when going forward.

Off The Pitch:
He keeps his private life..well private. The way it should be. He had a tough childhood (war refugee), but as a good thing in a bad thing “thing” (kudos if you got this), it has helped him developed the right kind of “attitude”. Keeps his cool under pressure.

The Good: Height, technique, versatility, self confidence, strong when going forward
The Bad: perhaps overconfident in some situations, can leave a gap behind when going forward
The Random:
- born in Bosnia
- a female viewer’s favorite
- played as a defensive midfielder (Man City) on a couple of occasions
- likes both Manchester City and Man United
- a possible Clark Kent role candidate
- nicknamed “Charlie”