Dinamo's Ace Pérez Vinlöf Shines in Season Opener
The young Swede has recorded two assists in three matches and is increasingly establishing himself as a serious option on the left side.
The young Swede has recorded two assists in three matches and is increasingly establishing himself as a serious option on the left side.
He didn't arrive with much fanfare, but after Dinamo Zagreb's first matches of the new season, his name is increasingly mentioned among those who have made the best impression. Matteo Pérez Vinlöf, a twenty-year-old Swedish footballer, has made the most of every opportunity and, in a very short time, proven that he aims for a much bigger role this season than a supporting one.
His first appearance of the season came in the return leg against Thun at Maksimir. During the break, he replaced Bruno Goda after the Swiss champions had taken a 2-0 lead, and with the young Swede's introduction, Dinamo gained extra penetration on the left side. Pérez Vinlöf was reliable in possession, didn't hesitate in duels, and made several attempts to create an overload. In the second half, he won three of five ground duels, successfully dribbled past an opponent twice, and finished the match with 37 accurate passes out of 44 attempts. He also had two shots on goal. Dinamo eventually won with a comeback after extra time, and Pérez Vinlöf showed he can be very useful when the game enters a phase that requires more energy and verticality.
He made another step forward in the first league match of the season. Against Slaven Belupo, he was given a starting spot and didn't let it slip. He played all 90 minutes, and the specialized statistics service SofaScore rated him as Dinamo's second-best player, right behind double scorer Dione Drena Beljo.
This time, his play had a concrete impact on the scoreboard. Pérez Vinlöf was involved in creating the first goal when he found Beljo for the Blues' lead. In addition to the assist, he particularly impressed with his composure in one-on-one situations, completing four out of five dribble attempts. He recorded 44 successful passes out of 53 attempts and won four ground duels.
If he showed against Slaven that he deserves a place in the starting eleven, against Kauno Žalgiris he only confirmed it further. He started the match again, finished it on the pitch, and was again involved in a goal. His pass was converted by Scott McKenna, who scored his third goal in Dinamo's jersey.
Pérez Vinlöf isn't one of those players everyone talks about, but his contribution is becoming more tangible. In three matches, he has managed to combine aggression in duels, reliability in passing, and growing tactical intelligence. And he's doing all this at just 20 years old. After finishing Bayern's academy, the Swede caught attention in Austria with his performances, and during last season at Dinamo, he was still trying to find his role alongside the more experienced Bruno Goda. However, the start of the new season suggests that this battle for the position will now look completely different.
In three appearances, he has recorded two assists, and his playing time is gradually increasing. Pérez Vinlöf couldn't have imagined a better start to the season, and Dinamo has another reason to be happy, on the left flank, they have a young player who, so far, is turning every new step into another good performance.
Meanwhile, the club has also boasted about a historic achievement.
"Club historians say this is the seventh time the Blues have sent an opponent packing with a five-goal margin in European club competitions 📝",they posted on their official Twitter profile alongside a photo of Luka Stanzl.
Dinamo fans can already enjoy a new edition of the Ramljak26 tournament tomorrow, August 6, 2026. The club has invited all interested parties:
"Mark your calendars, #Ramljak26 is starting! 🗓️✍️ This year's tournament opens tomorrow morning with Ajax and Athletic Bilbao, while the Blues start at 7:15 PM on pitch 3, against Juventus! 🎟️ Entry to all matches is free ✅ 📺 Watch the matches only on Dinamo Plus 📲 See you there!"
