Maro Katinic: Following in the footsteps of Gvardiol, Lovren & Co. at Dinamo Zagreb

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Not quite six months have passed since Croatia’s perhaps biggest defensive talent Josko Gvardiol left the current 1. HNL titleholders for RB Leipzig and the Bundesliga for €18.8 million, and already a possible successor in Dinamo Zagreb’s academy is on the horizon who develops similarly. The talk is of Maro Katinic, who currently plays for the reserves in the 2nd division.

Kovacic, Gvardiol & Co. Players from Dinamo Zagreb's academy Click here for overview Although the 17-year-old, who moved to the Croatian capital from the youth ranks of HNK Rijeka in the summer of 2019, where he has a contract until the summer of 2022, would still be one of the younger players in the U19 team, the centre-back was promoted directly from the U17s to the senior side of the second team this summer.

Under club legend and former international Igor Cvitanovic, formerly active in LaLiga and a EURO 1996 participant for Croatia, Katinic is the youngest player in the squad, but has nevertheless already played thirteen matches over 1,037 minutes this season. Katinic, who is also a U19 international for his country, is a key part of the central defence under Cvitanovic. Had the team not been hit by several Covid infections before the U19 international break, which also prevented him from being called up for European Championship qualifying in November, Katinic would have even more playing time under his belt.

The tall defender, who just like Gvardiol was initially active as a defensive and attacking midfielder rather than in defence, like many Croatians stands out for his technique, strong passing and aerial play. Katinic often takes responsibility in the build-up and likes to send his teammates deep. However, what makes him stand out from other defenders in his year is his positional play in defensive work, as he is very good at reading the game in front of him, as well as his fair tackling, with which he is often able to win one-on-one situations without a foul due to his good timing, only to immediately re-initiate an attack himself after winning the ball. This attribute immediately stands out when watching the player.

Furthermore, Katinic stands out for his fearlessness, plays in a detached manner without pressure and does not shy away from duels, even against much more experienced opponents. Katinic himself recently explained that this comes from “because I (...) was always one step ahead of my generation (and) played in bigger teams.” That is probably why he embodies that self-confidence when more experienced players face him in a duel, he said.

Dinamo Zagreb’s Katinic is already attracting interest abroad

Katinic has also already confirmed that his agent has spoken with some clubs abroad, but he did not name specific sides. However, he would prefer to move to the German Bundesliga or the Italian Serie A, just like Gvardiol. According to media reports, there is international interest from Juventus, Fiorentina, Napoli, Atalanta and RB Salzburg.

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In terms of perspective, the defender should have a higher chance of turning into a senior player by going through the domestic leagues than by moving abroad at an early age. Even if the reserve teams have to withdraw from the 2nd HNL for the 2022/23 season due to a federation decision, another season for Katinic at Dinamo would be just right as a developmental step. In Zagreb, he can continue to prove himself without pressure and show that he can hold his own against physically stronger players. At this stage, it is crucial to gain match practice and in the 2nd league he gets it. If he continues to perform well and stays fit, there could even be a chance for him to be taken to the first team’s winter training camp under new head coach Zeljko Kopic, who should know him very well as a former head of the youth department.

Even if the contract situation is unfavourable for the club and there is a strong possibility that the player will refuse an extension and accept one of the many offers from abroad, Katinic should not follow the call of fast money, but consider the path of Dejan Lovren and Vedran Corluka – both went on loan to Inter Zapresic – who later left Dinamo as seasoned players after their return from loan. The past shows: In the talent factory in Zagreb, you also have good, perhaps even better development opportunities than abroad. Those who decide to stay will be given as much development time and individual encouragement as they need – and, above all, plenty of playing time at a young age.

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