Brozovic arrived at Inter Milan in January 2015, initially on loan from Dinamo Zagreb. He quickly became a key player for the team and was eventually signed permanently in 2016. Since then, he has played a vital role in Inter’s midfield, helping them secure multiple trophies and regain their spot among Europe’s elite clubs. In this blog post, we will explore Brozovic’s journey, his influence on Inter Milan’s recent success, and his impact on the modern footballing landscape. Discover out with ABC8
Brozovic’s Influence on the Croatian National Team
Before joining Inter Milan, Brozovic had already made a name for himself in his home country of Croatia. He had shown immense potential while playing for Dinamo Zagreb and caught the attention of national team coaches. He made his debut for Croatia in 2014 and has since become an integral part of the team’s midfield.
At the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Brozovic played a crucial role in leading Croatia to their first-ever final. His tireless work rate, exceptional passing ability, and tactical intelligence were on full display as he helped Croatia navigate through a tough group stage and eventually make it all the way to the final. Brozovic also scored a goal in the semifinal against England and proved to be a reliable defensive shield for his team’s backline.
Similarities with Legendary Croatian Midfielders
Brozovic’s playing style has often been compared to that of two legendary Croatian midfielders – Niko Kovac and Robert Prosinecki. Like Brozovic, both Kovac and Prosinecki were versatile players who could operate effectively in multiple positions in the midfield. They were also known for their technical abilities, vision, and leadership qualities on the pitch.
Kovac, who was the captain of Croatia’s 1998 World Cup squad, played a vital role in their success and was known for his tireless work rate and ability to control the tempo of the game. Similarly, Prosinecki, who played alongside Kovac in the midfield, was renowned for his creativity and precise passing. Both these players have been an inspiration to Brozovic, and it’s no surprise that he shares many similarities with them.
Tactical Versatility and Adaptability
One of Brozovic’s most significant strengths is his tactical versatility and adaptability. He is comfortable playing as a holding midfielder, a box-to-box midfielder, or even as a playmaker. This makes him a valuable asset to not only Inter Milan but also the Croatian national team.
Inter coach Antonio Conte has utilized Brozovic’s abilities to the fullest, deploying him in a double pivot alongside another midfielder or as a lone defensive midfielder in a 3-5-2 formation. Brozovic’s tactical intelligence allows him to read the game well and make the necessary adjustments to his positioning and movements according to the team’s needs.
Brozovic’s Impact on the Modern Footballing Landscape
As football continues to evolve, so do the roles and responsibilities of players on the pitch. With more emphasis on tactics and strategy, midfielders have become vital cogs in a team’s success. And Brozovic is a perfect example of a modern-day midfielder who can excel in all areas of the game.
Defensive Contributions
Gone are the days when midfielders were only expected to create chances and score goals. In today’s game, they are also required to contribute defensively and help their team win back possession. And Brozovic is one of the best at fulfilling this role.
In the 2019-2020 season, Brozovic averaged 2.1 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, and 1.7 clearances per game in Serie A. He also had an impressive pass completion rate of 87.6%, displaying his ability to retain possession and initiate attacks from the back. These defensive contributions make Brozovic an all-rounded midfielder and give Inter Milan a solid foundation to build upon.
Set Piece Specialist
Another aspect of Brozovic’s game that sets him apart from other midfielders is his proficiency in taking set pieces. His excellent delivery from free-kicks and corners has resulted in numerous goals for both club and country. In the 2019-2020 season, he had the most assists (8) in Serie A from set-pieces, showcasing his importance in providing scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Moreover, Brozovic’s ability to score from direct free-kicks has been a valuable asset for Inter Milan. In a crucial game against Sampdoria in December 2019, he scored a stunning goal from a free-kick that proved to be the winner for Inter. This goal was voted as the best free-kick goal of the Serie A season, further highlighting Brozovic’s quality from set pieces.
Contribution in Attack
While Brozovic’s defensive and set-piece abilities are well-known, his contributions in attack often go unnoticed. He has a keen eye for a pass and can pick out his teammates with pinpoint accuracy. This season, he averaged 1.5 key passes per game in Serie A, showcasing his creativity and ability to create chances for his team.
Brozovic also has an eye for goal, as evidenced by his seven goals in the 2019-2020 season. While this may not seem like a significant number, considering his deeper position on the pitch, it is a commendable feat. His long-range shooting and late runs into the box make him a dangerous threat in front of goal.
Conclusion
Marcelo Brozovic has undoubtedly been one of the most influential players in Inter Milan’s recent success. His tactical versatility, adaptability, and contributions both defensively and offensively have made him a vital part of the team. His performances for Croatia have also shown that he is one of Europe’s best midfielders and will continue to be a key player for both club and country.
