JOSIP JURANOVIC continues to make a name for himself in Glasgow under Ange Postecoglou as Atletico Madrid prepare to see him face Brazil in the World Cup today.
The Croatian defender will test himself against Neymar and co in Qatar this afternoon.
2
And the Spanish giants will be on a scouting mission as they prepare to line up a January move for the Celtic defender next month.
But while Juranovic is now watched by a host of top clubs across Europe, his rise to fame didn’t just begin when he joined the Hoops last year.
The right-back first jumped onto the scene when he won a Nike contest in 2014.
Playing for minnows Dubrava, he beat 44 other kids to advance to London’s ‘The Chance’ final, earning him a transfer against Croatian big dogs Hajduk Split.
Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic, his current team-mate in Croatia, was there to see him shine among Zagreb’s top talent.
Juranovic received his trophy from former Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Juventus hero and Croatian Mario Mandzukic – with whom he also later played in the national team.
The pair posed for a photo as the former Champions League winner played for the La Liga side at the time.
Juranovic could soon join his fellow Croatian’s former club if he impresses again for the national side today.
2
But fans may struggle to recognize the defender as he looks rather baby next to the 36-year-old legend at a glance.
Meanwhile, respected Croatian coach Velimir Carapina judged ‘The Chance’ and picked Juranovic as the winner of the competition in 2014.
Carapina insists Juranovic was the star of the show and is thrilled to see his career take off as he predicted all those years ago.
He told SunSport: “I didn’t coach Josip at Dubrava, but I knew everything about him as a player and could see his talent when he was young.
“I was a staff member of the Zagreb Football Association and he played in some matches and tournaments in some of our camps.
“I was then asked to be the head coach of ‘The Chance’ and Josip entered the competition.
“The level was very good. There were 45 players between the ages of 18 and 22.
“None of them had a professional contract, but they were members of Zagreb clubs and they spent a whole day participating in the Nike competition. We tested skills and speed and then played two games.
“Why did Josip win? Because he showed the best results in tests and was among the best individuals in matches.
“In games he played in central midfield, not the position he plays for Croatia and Celtic.
“He was extremely good technically and tactically, as well as being durable and fast. He deserved to win and I’m happy to see his career progress.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers on the Scottish Sun football page
