Martin Baturina #16

Profile

He trained gymnastics for seven years before deciding to focus on football. Once a top talent in the Hajduk Split academy before his dad, the Croatian league icon Mate Baturina, controversially decided to move both him and his older brother, Roko, who now plays in Denmark, to bitter rivals Dinamo. “I was just a kid and it wasn’t my call,” he says. Wonderfully gifted but never consistent enough and perhaps not appreciating the importance of tracking back, Baturina used to be seen as a bit of an old-school advanced playmaker - a classic Balkans No 10, if you will - who might not have what it takes to succeed in today’s football. However, he has matured playing under Cesc Fàbregas this season at Como and has also proven his value for Croatia.

Key stats