Ivan Rakitić (foto: Uradni FB/TW/IG profil igralca)
Ivan Rakitić has praised teenage defender Luka Vušković, urging Bayern Munich to act quickly as the Hajduk academy product continues to impress in Germany.
Croatia legend Ivan Rakitić has paid tribute to teenage defender Luka Vušković, urging Bayern Munich to move quickly as the young centre-back continues to attract attention across Europe.
Vušković is drawing growing interest from Germany and beyond with each passing round. The 18-year-old once again showed maturity beyond his years in a high-profile match, scoring the equaliser in Hamburger SV’s 2–2 draw against Bayern, earning his side a valuable point.
It was another performance that underlined why Vušković is widely regarded as a player well ahead of his age group. A graduate of the Hajduk Split academy, the centre-back is increasingly being linked with Europe’s elite clubs, with talk of a possible move to Bayern reignited after the clash with the German champions.
Rakitić: Bayern cannot afford to wait
Speaking to Sky Sport, Rakitić made it clear he believes Bayern should not hesitate, despite Vušković currently being contracted to Tottenham Hotspur and playing on loan in Hamburg.
“The whole football world is talking about him now. Bayern must hurry. I think this boy has to go to Bayern,” Rakitić said. “It’s incredible to see how such a young player can shake the football world. That’s no coincidence, because he and his family are doing many things right.”
A future pillar for Croatia
Rakitić also underlined Vušković’s long-term importance for the national team, expressing confidence in his development path.
“I hope the Croatian national team will have a top centre-back in him for the next ten to fifteen years. He has all the qualities to become one of the best. He just needs to keep giving his all and enjoy his football. Everything points to a great player in the making,” he added.
The former Barcelona and Sevilla midfielder concluded with a personal note on Vušković’s roots.
“In Croatia, and especially here at Hajduk, we really enjoy watching him play. He knows this is his home and that he has everyone’s support,” Rakitić said.