Analysing the Croatian giants playstyle and some of their most influential players that will face Arsenal under the management of Italian Fabio Cannavaro
Arsenal host Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb in round 7/8 in the UCL. On one hand, Arsenal are positioned on the top half of the table at the 3rd spot, meanwhile Zagreb are on the cusp of playoff qualifications at 25th spot
Just like Arsenal, Zagreb have also not had the best start to their domestic league due to their own daunting reasons. Having redeemed the HNL title in Croatia 7 seasons in a row, they trail by 7 points to defend their glory this season.
Ex manager Bjelica’s 2nd spell at the club proved to be short of expectations for the Croatian champions. Hence, the club have signed Italian Fabio Cannavaro as their new manager in the hopes of regaining their dominance in the UCL and league especially.
As charismatic and influential Cannavaro was as a player – his experience in managing sides across the world and coaching dynamics are a big lookout for fans. The Italian has an opportunity to make a statement against Arsenal on his debut
Cannavaro usually implements a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 formation that is offensive branded. Quick ball progression + creative output from midfield + attackers pressing and taking shots constantly, constitutes majority of his playstyle
It’s still a surprise as to how he would initiate the team’s gameplay in his first competitive match for the Croatian side, it’s expected that he’d want to rely on defensive stability and uncanny patterns from attack that distort the opposition defensive line
The club’s condition being in a critical phase due to their below par position on both the European + Domestic tables and concerning injury record has put them in unfavourable conditions. Big game for them
Head to Head Battle:
The two sides met each other in the group stage of the competition in 2015. Dinamo Zagreb won 2-1 at their home whilst Arsenal won 3-0 at the Emirates. An evenly poised encounter that saw Arsenal qualify to the next round of the tournament.
Key players:
Luka Stojkovic – Croatian
21 | AM/CM | 6’0
An explosive force for the Croatian side to build attacks from. The 21 y/o boasts an amazing ability to score from long range. Mobile with his dribbling + two footed domination to find creative passes to break lines
Martin Baturina – Croatian
21 | AM | 5’8
Undoubtedly the brightest talent in the side who’s technically very good with his feet as a creator and scorer. Ball manipulation in tight spaces + reading of the game + agility and pace to cover ground is superb. Keep your eyes on the talent
Arijan Ademi – Macedonian
33 | DM/CM | 6’1
Played vs Arsenal the last time in their UCL in 2015. The veteran midfielder brings composure to the midfield. Can distribute play neatly out wide and is also a very feisty tackler of the ball – good with his positioning
Sandro Kulenovic – Croatian
25 | CF | 6’2
The Juventus academy product was hailed to be the next Mandzukic growing up as a CF. The poacher demonstrates great goal scoring abilities as a very good finisher + channel runner utilising his pace. He’s notably a good presser, hungry to make a difference
Marko Pjaca – Croatian
29 | LW/RW | 6’1
He also is one of the players who has played vs Arsenal in the UCL in 2015. Pjaca is a relentless dribbling from the wider channels that likes to attack from the touchline + use creative stepovers to manoeuver defenders. Very good first touch and has a decent finishing routine
Conclusion:
Could be a tricky fixture for Arsenal, coming at a time where they are struggling to continue to establish a positive run of form. Being clinical in front of goal and seeing this game out can land the Gunners a position of safety in the Top 8 of the UCL
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Arsenal’s UCL opposition lookout🔎
— AARUSH (@afcaarush) January 22, 2025
Dinamo Zagreb – Manager + Key Player Dissection + Head to Head Battle❗️
Analysing the Croatian giants playstyle + some of their most influential players that will face Arsenal under the management of Italian Fabio Cannavaro
[THREAD] pic.twitter.com/W5AvgyRGue