Nikola Vlasic the versatile attacker

Nikola Vlasic is Croatian offensive midfielder who plays for CSKA Moscow a team which often rotates 4-2-3-1 formation and variances of formations with three at the back.

In both formations Vlašić plays as a “10”, but can also perform as an  “8.”

The 23-year-old plays as an attacking midfielder, but over the course of his career especially with his first club  Hajduk Spli, he played all positions including striker above defence.

Over his career, he profiled as a player who can make a bigger impact while playing in central roles because it gives him the freedom to roam over the pitch finding open spaces to receive the ball from where he can hurt opponents.

He has played mall over the field, especially in half-space near the left side.

Physical attributes that Vlašić possesses separate him from the others. His individual work with his father who is professional as an athletic coach and Olympic medalist led him to develop all the needed physical abilities required for football.

Vlašić has a great amount of acceleration, agility, balance, strength and stamina. He didn’t have any big problems with muscle injuries which shows that his body is well-balanced. Since moving to CSKA Moscow, he attempts a lot of dribbles and shots showing his self-confidence is very high.

One of Vlašić’s most valuable skills is his ability to navigate in tight spaces and progress his side up the pitch whilst the ball is between his feet.

In domestic affairs, this is vital as CSKA are often faced with tightly packed defences. Opponents know of Vlašić’s ability on the ball, so they often force double or triple teams to stop the Croat.