Luka Vuskovic is a Croatian 17-year-old center back who plays for Radomiak Radom in the Polish Ekstraklasa. He comes on loan from Hajduk Split, where he will stay until the first of July 2025 as he will move to Tottenham. Vuskovic is around 195 centimeters tall and is right footed but has a good weak left foot which he often uses. He mostly plays as the left center back, but in my opinion he can play as a right center back as well or centrally in a 3 defenders formation.
So, Luka Vuskovic is long, but he isn’t really strong. He has a mesomorph body but hasn’t a lot of muscles. He lacks strength in ground duels and is getting pushed away or blocked off the ball really easily. His jumping reach is high, but he his real jumping power isn’t really high if you compare him with other defenders. He has okay acceleration and pace, it’s nothing special. His turning speed could be improved though, as it’s not that great. But on the positive side, he is really good in aerial duels. Can win easily in a heading duels against 2 opponents from another team. That makes him really dangerous with throw-ins and crosses that come from set-pieces. Overall, some parts of his physical traits aren’t great, but could be improved in the future.
Nonetheless, Vuskovic is already great defensively. He is defending on a really high level for someone his age, showing good maturity, not stressing and being consistent. Doesn’t make often mistakes as well. But he likes to rush forward in the attack and defense, and he’s going out of position because of that. It can be dangerous, as he’s not always quick enough to return to his position. But until now, it didn’t cause any huge trouble. But it’s a good trait as well, he likes to press the man that received a long pass and make it difficult for him to control the ball well. But besides that, he’s great defensively. His positioning (without a forward rush) is good, reads the game really well and often tries to intercept crosses because of his height and heading ability. His slidings are often pinpoint on the right moment and can make a hard tackle during a counterattack. Talkative in the defense, helps his teammates by pointing to an open man or space. Overall, his defensive game is on a high, mature level for a 17-year-old.
But he adds value to the offensive game as well. Has good passing abilities, on short and long distance. He can give a good pass with his left foot as well. The defender likes to scan his surroundings before giving a pass when he’s not pressed. When he has the ball he remains calm, even when getting pressed. Like in the defense, Vuskovic is also talkative in the offense. Uses his arms to show open space, ask the ball or point to an open teammate. Likes to run forward with the ball, as he’s capable of doing that. He has good ball control and is able to dribble past his opponent. Like said earlier, he’s a threat during corners, crosses off set pieces and long throw-ins because of his length and great heading abilities. He doesn’t need to jump high to get to the ball either. But overall, he has already great offensive abilities which are always good to have for a defender. Definitely as you can progress the ball forward.
In my opinion, he’s already outgrown Radomiak. Next season he should easily get playing time at Hajduk Split, and who knows he might be again too good for them after half a season. But he has really high potential. In my opinion, he has the potential to be one of the best defenders in Europe if everything goes well. But he will definitely be ready for Tottenham in the summer of 2025.
Target Scouting 