Danijel Djuric is a Bulgarian-born Iceland U21 international with Serbian heritage that plays for Vikingur Reyjavik in Besta deild karla. He is a versatile right footed attacker that prefers to play as an inside forward behind or to the side of a lone center forward as an attacking midfielder, left winger, or second striker. This season, Djuric scored 10 goals and 5 assists in the domestic league through 26 appearances. The 20-year-old came through the FC Midtjylland academy in Denmark and his youth career began with Breidablik.
Djuric stands at 174 cm with an impressive athletic frame for his age and height. His mature build comes alongside explosive pace and change of direction. His mentality is of high standard, not shying away from contact in duels and playing confidently. Djuric holds up against contact in duels well despite his size and displays admirable balance/body control.
On the attack, the Icelandic rising star puts his athleticism on display. He uses his explosiveness on timely runs through into the final third both in short bursts and in transition. Djuric highlights his attacking instincts with these runs to receive in stride in dangerous spots to create chances. Whether receiving on his runs or coming short, that explosion translates in his dribble moves attacking 1v1s. That shiftiness and pace combined with developing dribbling technique makes him a serious threat every time he is on ball. After that, his creation is on par with the best at his level. Djuric times his grounded through passes so well to play runners into the box/final third. Additionally, his sweet right foot has curve and accuracy on crosses, mainly in swinging, that are second to none from his position. He could utilize that ability more often. The curve on those crosses translates to his finishing, which is consistent and often shot for placement, either scoring with elite technique/accuracy or forcing a tough save that a teammate can slot in a rebound goal on. All of this distribution and finishing creation comes with little hesitation and sparks an inspiring perspective on his tactical understanding and vision. Djuric is an accomplished creative threat in Iceland that must continue to hone his tactical knowledge if he hopes to fit into attacking lines as he moves up the European ranks.
On the press and defensively, his athleticism is once again an important asset. His quickness to close out and move into passing lanes is key in the high press. His activity utilizing pace and natural stamina to roam forward line while pressing allows him to keep up a high work rate while attempting to put in tackles. The same timing he displays on his runs is exhibited in his ability to put in stand tackles. With timely pokes in duels, Djuric is able to dispossess the opposition cleanly and with a decent success rate for an attack-minded player. Whether as a pressing winger or a typical number 10, this effort and tackling ability will translate at the next level.
With the frequency of Besta deild karla prospects entering the transfer rumor mill this winter, Djuric should be up next, as arguably the most dominant of the bunch. Hlynur Freyr Karlsson has already made his move to FK Haugesund in Norway, with Stjarnan star Eggert Aron Gudmundsson close to joining him. Djuric has the highest ceiling and floor, due to his current technical ability and natural athleticism that will guide his growth, so expect considerable European attention in the approaching window.
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