Since my life is rather dull and I don't have a lot going for me right now I decided to do a quick search. This guy is a Croatian/German who played most of his career in the Netherlands, but is currently without club due to a string of injuries. Seems like a typical RSL signing. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dario_Vujičević
Hope you are wrong. Gah, just what we need a roster spot and money poured into a person who is on the field less than 50% of the time. No thank you.
Lol yeah. I hope I'm wrong too. The guys on the RSL Show seemed pretty pumped about the signing, and I'm not really sure if there is anything about this guy that gets me pumped. I can't find anyone else who makes sense though unless either a) The two flags clue didn't mean that they're a dual national, b) RSL is dropping big bucks on this player or c) the player is mislabeled on transfermark/he isn't a midfielder.
Looks like it Maybe I'm just bad at the research game, but the only first division players that pop up when I search Croatian-German midfielders the only ones playing (or have played) in respectable leagues are: Vujicevic Ivan Paurević: Who just last January signed a 3.5 year contract https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivan_Paurević Fabian Benko: An 18 year old who plays for Bayern Munich. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabian_Benko
To be honest, I have a different view of this off-season for RSL. I think they've plugged some holes with some solid players. Not above average, but solid. They've also brought in some youth with potential. But they haven't really brought any player in that is a wow type of player. Some other teams (Atlanta & Orlando for example) have made some splashy signings. However, there are three things that ARE exciting to me, that have been highlighted this offseason: 1) RSL was really, really good during last half of 2017. Perhaps one of the top 5 teams in the league during that stretch. 2) The signings made, make sense with the overall makeup of the team 3) There is a ton of youth potential on this squad, and if even a few of these players pan out like we think they might, RSL could be a powerhouse for years to come. (Although keeping all of these young, talented players will prove to be challenging) So for me, there isn't a single signing that's noteworthy on their own, but as a whole I like what Craig & co have done. In fact, I'm wondering which individual signing most people are looking forward to? I think most people would point to Ortuno but that's not it for me.
However, I noticed Bomma posted a Batman signal and a couple of years ago Dortmund did have that Batman goal celebration. http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/03/dortmund-soccer-batman-robin-goal-celebration-schalke
The thing I like about the youth movement, is that if a lot of it does pan out, it's unlikely you'd lose them all in an offseason, so it should at least keep some level of continuity while also keeping some of these guys as they approach their prime. At the same time, there's less risk involved if some of it doesn't pan out. I'm sure it has to be easier to get rid of a younger player vs an established vet.
So Andy just posted a picture of himself in a "I <3 Berlin" jacket. Maybe it is Damir Kreilach. He is a Croatian player playing for Union Berlin in the 2. Bundesliga. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damir_Kreilach Edit: After a bit more research it also looks like he recently lost his starting spot after being captain at one point: http://www.tagesspiegel.de/sport/1-...vom-dauerbrenner-zum-haertefall/20456302.html
I'm most curious to see how good or bad the Ruiz signing turns out. I have no expectations either way, though.
The Ruiz signing really intrigues me, as well. I see it as the club thinking they have a Savarino level player a year or two before they took Savarino on loan. You don't make the Argentine national team, at any of the levels, without some serious talent.
His Whoscored data is interesting It's not a very large sample size, so make of it what you will.. Damir Kreilach Characteristics Strengths Aerial Duels Finishing Key passes Through balls Weaknesses Tackling Defensive contribution Damir Kreilach's Style of Play Indirect set-piece threat Plays the ball off the ground often Likes to play long balls Gets fouled often Does not dive into tackles Commits fouls often
The Batman signal was in response to the guy who scored twice over the weekend for Dortmund, Michy Batshuayi.
He also seems to have a pretty decent goal output for a defender. Which is good because I'm worried about our forwards.