Canjuga explodes in Varaždin: Two goals and three assists
The returnee from Lokomotiva has become one of the standout players at the start of the SuperSport HNL season, particularly shining against Hajduk.
The returnee from Lokomotiva has become one of the standout players at the start of the SuperSport HNL season, particularly shining against Hajduk.
Ivan Canjuga returned to Varaždin and immediately became one of the main talking points of the season's start. In the first four matches, he has already recorded two goals and three assists, and his performances have drawn attention beyond Varaždin.
He particularly stood out in the victory against Hajduk, where he assisted Mario Mladenovski and dominated in duels. He won seven out of ten duels, along with two key passes, one of which created a big chance. However, it wasn't just motivation against his former roommate Marin Šotiček, who made his debut for Hajduk that day.
Just a few days later, away at Slaven in Koprivnica, Canjuga continued with impressive numbers. He won eight duels, successfully dribbled past opponents three times, and delivered three key passes. His second goal of the season was a perfect example of all his qualities: he bravely won a seemingly lost ball in midfield, quickly passed it to winger Matej Vuk, then made a great run to receive the return pass at the edge of the box and struck it under the crossbar.
Standing at 185 centimeters, Canjuga provides a physical presence on the pitch, but what gets the crowd on their feet is his ability to win duels with ease and then showcase technical skill not expected from such a tall player. Coach Nikola Šafarić, who has coached him since his youth days, immediately moved him back to his original position in midfield upon his return from Lokomotiva.
Born in Nedeljanec, Canjuga idolized his famous fellow villagers Dario Melnjak and Marko Rog as a boy. His football journey began at Varteks, then he moved to Varaždin's youth setup where he became captain of the team that won the North region championship. At just 16 years old, coach Mario Kovačević gave him his senior debut in a second-division match against Dubrava.
Although Dinamo was interested, Lokomotiva was quicker and brought him into their academy. There, they developed him as a winger, and Silvije Čabraja gave him minutes in the first team. However, knee and quadriceps injuries halted his progress. Fortunately, the option to return home was always open, and Šafarić welcomed him with a clear plan.
His return to Varaždin has proven to be a perfect fit. He has slotted into a system that demands a blend of physical and technical abilities from midfielders, and his goals and assists suggest this could be a season where his name will be heard plenty.
