Deverić thrilled with Stojković
Dinamo crushed Kauno Žalgiris 5:0 at Maksimir, and club legend Stjepan Deverić analyzed the Blues' brilliant performance for SportKlub, singling out Luka Stojković.
Dinamo crushed Kauno Žalgiris 5:0 at Maksimir, and club legend Stjepan Deverić analyzed the Blues' brilliant performance for SportKlub, singling out Luka Stojković.
GNK Dinamo took a giant step towards the Champions League playoffs. In the first leg of the third qualifying round at Maksimir, the Croatian champions dismantled Lithuanian side Kauno Žalgiris with a resounding 5:0. The visitors' net was bulged in succession by Miha Zajc (32'), Scott McKenna (33'), Mateo Lisica (51'), Luka Stojković (76'), and Lukas Kačavenda (90+4').
Stjepan Deverić, the 64-year-old club legend and former prolific striker, watched the Blues' convincing display with particular attention. In an interview with SportKlub, he was effusive in his praise for what he saw on the pitch.
"That was an outstanding performance from Dinamo. They completely outplayed Žalgiris and left them no room to play at all. It was a top-notch match," said Deverić, before pointing to a key change in their play.
"This match showed how much depth Dinamo has and how varied their attack is. Many more players are now involved in the final phase of moves, and it's precisely this diversity of goalscorers that is a great quality of this team. I must stress that Beljo played an excellent match, even though he didn't get on the scoresheet this time."
However, Luka Stojković earned a special place in Deverić's analysis. The Dinamo legend is convinced that the young player is seriously establishing himself as an indispensable cog in the team.
"In any case, Luka Stojković has shown that he is emerging as one of the main players of this team. Regardless of everything, any team feels it when such quality is missing. It simply can't be the same. I think Luka is making his mark with his performances and playing really well. Thank God, let him keep it up."
Deverić also touched on the importance of qualifying for the elite competition and the ongoing talk about the new stadium.
"Surely, all of us who love Dinamo would be overjoyed if they qualified for the Champions League. Even though the Europa League also brings quality opponents, the Champions League is the Champions League, and it would certainly be the icing on the cake, especially because there's constant talk about the new stadium and everything that lies ahead. Qualifying for the Champions League would give the whole project a special seal," Deverić concluded.
While celebrating the Champions League victory, Dinamo is already shifting focus to the Ramljak26 tournament. As the club announced on its official profiles, the tournament opens tomorrow morning with Ajax facing Athletic Bilbao, while the Blues take to the pitch at 7:15 PM. Their opponent is Italian giants Juventus. Entry to all matches is free, and the games can be followed on the Dinamo Plus platform.
