Born to become one of the standout defenders in European football, Josip Juranović has had a career full of hard work, commitment, and success. The Croatian full-back, known for his dynamic style of play, has made his mark at both club and international levels. From his humble beginnings to playing for some of the biggest clubs in Europe, Juranović’s story is one of persistence, talent, and ambition. This article explores Juranović’s rise to prominence, his playing style, his impact on the teams he has played for, and the role he plays in the Croatian national team. We’ll also take a look at the questions frequently asked by fans and football enthusiasts about Juranović’s career.
Who is Josip Juranović?
Josip Juranović was born on August 16, 1995, in the city of Zagreb, Croatia. His journey into football began at a young age, growing up in a football-loving nation. Juranović started his career at the youth level, honing his skills and improving his technical ability. He joined the youth academy of Dinamo Zagreb, Croatia’s most successful club, where he quickly impressed with his potential. At a young age, Juranović’s versatility on the field became apparent. While primarily known as a right-back, Juranović’s ability to operate as a left-back or a wing-back made him a versatile asset. His adaptability has allowed him to play in various defensive roles, making him a valuable player for both his club and country.
Professional Career Beginnings
Juranović’s breakthrough came in 2014, when he made his professional debut for RNK Split, a Croatian club. His performances in the Croatian top division quickly garnered attention. During his time at Split, Juranović gained significant experience in the league, earning a reputation for his solid defensive abilities and his attacking contributions from full-back.
Moving to Legia Warsaw: A Turning Point
In 2016, Juranović made a move to Legia Warsaw, one of Poland’s most prominent football clubs. This move marked a significant turning point in his career, as Legia Warsaw offered him a platform to compete in European competitions. Juranović’s time in Poland allowed him to showcase his qualities on a larger stage, including in the UEFA Europa League, where his performances were noticed by scouts across Europe.
While at Legia Warsaw, Juranović continued to develop his attacking and defensive skills, establishing himself as one of the best full-backs in the Polish Ekstraklasa. He was instrumental in Legia’s domestic success, contributing to the team’s title wins and playing a vital role in their European campaigns. This success eventually led to more opportunities for the Croatian, and in 2021, Juranović moved to one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Transfer to Celtic: Joining a Historic Club
In 2021, Josip Juranović made the move to Celtic F.C., one of Scotland’s most successful and historic clubs. The move to Celtic marked a significant step forward in Juranović’s career, as he joined a club with a massive following and a strong reputation in both domestic and international football.
At Celtic, Juranović quickly adapted to the demands of Scottish football, impressing both fans and critics alike with his defensive work rate, composure on the ball, and ability to contribute to attacking play. His performances in the Scottish Premiership and UEFA Europa League solidified his status as one of the top right-backs in Europe.
His consistency and work ethic at Celtic have earned him admiration from across the football world. Juranović’s attacking runs, ability to cross the ball into dangerous areas, and knack for scoring goals have made him an all-around full-back, and he has become a key player in Celtic’s quest for silverware. Under manager Ange Postecoglou, Juranović has thrived in the team’s high-pressing system, regularly contributing to both defensive solidity and offensive support.
Playing Style: A Complete Full-Back
Defensive Attributes: Josip Juranović is primarily known for his solid defensive capabilities. As a full-back, he is adept at positioning himself well, staying compact, and making crucial tackles. Juranović’s defensive awareness allows him to shut down opposing wingers and prevent crosses from coming into the box. His ability to read the game and anticipate passes or runs has been a vital part of his defensive game. In one-on-one situations, Juranović is composed and rarely caught out of position. His timing in tackles is impeccable, and he is not afraid to get stuck in when necessary. This makes him a dependable figure in any backline.
Attacking Contributions: While his defensive contributions are key to his success, Juranović is also known for his attacking potential. A modern full-back is expected to contribute offensively, and Juranović has delivered in this area as well. His energy and stamina allow him to make overlapping runs down the flank, providing width to his team’s attacking play.
Juranović is an excellent crosser of the ball, often delivering accurate crosses into the box for his teammates. Whether from open play or set-pieces, his ability to pick out runners and put the ball in dangerous positions has been an asset to both club and country. Additionally, Juranović is not shy when it comes to scoring goals. His ability to get into the box and take shots from distance has added another dimension to his attacking game. Whether it’s a well-placed shot or a header from a set-piece, Juranović has shown that he is more than capable of contributing to the scoreline.
Versatility: One of Juranović’s standout qualities is his versatility. Though primarily a right-back, he is comfortable playing on the left side of defense as well. This adaptability allows his managers to deploy him in different roles based on tactical needs. Whether it’s as a wing-back in a 3-5-2 formation or as a full-back in a more traditional back-four setup, Juranović is a reliable and flexible option for his team. In addition to his ability to play in various defensive roles, Juranović is also capable of slotting into midfield when required. His technical ability, passing range, and composure on the ball make him a versatile player who can contribute to build-up play from the back.
Juranović’s International Career: Croatian National Team
Josip Juranović made his debut for the Croatian national team in 2020, and he quickly established himself as a key figure in Croatia’s defense. Playing in a team that boasts world-class talent such as Luka Modrić, Ivan Rakitić, and Mario Mandžukić, Juranović has become an integral part of Croatia’s backline. His defensive qualities, combined with his attacking runs, have made him an essential part of Croatia’s system. Juranović’s performances at both the European Championship in 2021 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup cemented his place as one of the best right-backs in Europe. His tireless work ethic and professionalism have made him a fan favorite among Croatian supporters.
World Cup Glory and Contributions
Juranović played a vital role in Croatia’s remarkable run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. His performances were a key part of Croatia’s sturdy defense, and his contributions to the attack were also evident throughout the tournament.
In Croatia’s famous victory over Brazil in the quarter-finals, Juranović’s defensive resilience and composure under pressure were crucial in helping his team pull off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. His ability to deal with Brazil’s attacking threats, including the likes of Neymar and Vinícius Júnior, showcased his defensive quality on the global stage.
Throughout the tournament, Juranović’s stamina, speed, and intelligent positioning made him one of the standout full-backs. His international performances helped Croatia secure a strong finish in the tournament, ultimately finishing in third place after defeating Morocco in the third-place playoff.
Juranović’s Career at Celtic F.C.
Since joining Celtic in 2021, Juranović has been an integral part of the team’s success. His performances in the Scottish Premiership and European competitions have made him one of the best right-backs in the league. His work rate, versatility, and leadership qualities have helped him win over the Celtic faithful, who admire his commitment and ability to perform on the big stage.
Juranović’s attacking runs, defensive solidity, and ability to contribute to the team’s overall play have made him one of Celtic’s standout performers. His contributions to Celtic’s domestic success, including their league title and cup triumphs, have been instrumental in the team’s resurgence under manager Ange Postecoglou.
Key Moments in Celtic Career
Scottish Premiership Success: Juranović played a crucial role in Celtic’s victory in the Scottish Premiership, where he delivered consistent performances week in and week out.
UEFA Europa League: Juranović impressed in European competitions, where Celtic faced some of Europe’s best teams. His ability to perform under pressure in such matches has further enhanced his reputation.
International Recognition: As Juranović continues to perform at a high level, he is gaining recognition from top clubs in Europe, with some clubs reportedly interested in securing his services.
FAQs
Who is Josip Juranović?
Josip Juranović is a Croatian professional footballer known for his versatility and defensive skills. Primarily a right-back, he is also capable of playing as a left-back or winger. He is known for his solid defensive capabilities, pace, and ability to contribute offensively with crosses and overlapping runs. Juranović has gained international recognition for his performances with the Croatian national team and his club teams.
What position does Josip Juranović play?
Juranović is predominantly a right-back, though he is versatile enough to play on the left side of defense or even as a winger in certain tactical setups. His adaptability makes him a valuable asset to any team, capable of fulfilling multiple roles as needed.
What is Josip Juranović’s playing style?
Josip Juranović is known for his defensive solidity, speed, and stamina. He is a strong tackler and a reliable defender in one-on-one situations. Offensively, he contributes with overlapping runs, precise crosses, and set-piece deliveries. His ability to defend and attack makes him an all-around full-back in modern football.
How did Josip Juranović’s career start?
Juranović began his professional career in the Croatian league, playing for RNK Split. His performances in the domestic league caught the attention of bigger clubs, and he later moved to Legia Warsaw in Poland. After his time at Legia, Juranović made the leap to Celtic FC, where he gained further recognition in European football, before joining Union Berlin.
How has Josip Juranović performed at the international level?
Juranović has been an important part of the Croatian national team since his debut. He played a significant role in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where Croatia finished in third place. His performances on the world stage helped solidify his reputation as one of the top full-backs in international football.
In Summary
Josip Juranović is a talented and versatile footballer whose career continues to rise at both the club and international levels. Known for his strong defensive abilities, pace, and offensive contributions, Juranović has proven himself as one of the top full-backs in Europe. From his early days in Croatia to his successful stints at Legia Warsaw, Celtic FC, and now Union Berlin, he has consistently impressed with his commitment and skill. His performances for the Croatian national team, particularly during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, have further cemented his status as a key player in international football. As he continues to develop and play at a high level, Juranović remains one of the most exciting defensive talents to watch in European football.
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