Former SHNL Player of the Year Franko Andrijašević, in an interview with Net.hr, singled out Josip Mišić, whom he considers to be of national team caliber and the first choice in the Modri midfield.
Franko Andrijašević, the former SHNL Player of the Year for the 2016/2017 season and current member of second-division side Orijent, analyzed Dinamo's impressive start to the new season in a conversation with Net.hr. He particularly commented on the convincing 5-0 victory against Kauno Žalgiris in the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round, noting that it presents an ideal opportunity for rotation.
Andrijašević believes that coach Mario Kovačić has enough quality players at his disposal for the return leg. "Dinamo's coach Mario Kovačić has a 'second' team that is also very good. So, it's not just eleven players, but in my opinion, it's about 18-19 players," he said. He added that if he were in Kovačić's shoes, he would certainly make some changes because the 5-0 lead is substantial, and they play two to three times a week.
He also praised the team's continuity, emphasizing that there weren't many departures and that the core remained the same. "They just picked up where they left off at the end of last season," Andrijašević stated, adding that apart from the match against Thun, where they got through 'on muscle,' Dinamo handled everything else 'in a Dinamo way, strong, powerful, and mighty.'
Although the entire team is performing at a high level, Andrijašević singled out one player. "Who impresses me? For me, since last season, it's Josip Mišić. He really holds that midfield and the attacking part together, as they say. He's a crucial link in that system," he emphasized. In his estimation, without Mišić, Dinamo is 30 to 40 percent weaker.
His excellent performances have also raised the question of a national team call-up. "That's up to the new coach, Slaven Bilić. I think that in a squad of 25-30 players, Josip Mišić would definitely be there because he is of national team caliber," Andrijašević was clear.
He also commented on the Champions League playoff, where the Modri will face Norwegian side Viking. He is aware of the rise of Norwegian football, evident at the World Cup in North America, but believes that this is not an opponent Dinamo cannot overcome. "In my opinion, these are all opponents that Dinamo can and must get past. I see the Champions League at Maksimir this autumn, but Dinamo will have to confirm that on the pitch," he said.
He briefly commented on Žalgiris coach Željko Sopić, describing him as "a character, who doesn't mince words," and that despite the heavy defeat, his team will not be a silent spectator in the return leg. "With him, there's no giving up," Andrijašević added.
Speaking about his career, Andrijašević revealed that after returning from China, his focus was on getting back to Rijeka. There were contacts with Rijeka and Osijek, but in the end, he chose Orijent for family reasons. "I still enjoy playing here. As long as I can, I'll give my all," he said.
Last season wasn't great for Orijent in terms of results, but now he is optimistic. The expanded First NL with 16 clubs kicks off in 10 days, and Andrijašević expects a competitive and interesting league. "Anyone can beat anyone, so it's about consistency," he concluded, mentioning the strengthened Kustošija and the presence of Dinamo B.
