Tottenham centre-back Luka Vuskovic heads to the World Cup with Croatia after a strong season on loan at Hamburg, where the 19-year-old impressed across several defensive metrics and drew public backing from former Croatia defender Darijo Srna, who views Vuskovic as a leading prospect for European football.

During the 2025-26 Bundesliga campaign, Vuskovic played for Hamburg and helped the club secure 13th place, avoiding relegation. Across the league, Vuskovic ranked fifth for total duels won with 207, second for aerial duels won with 149, and sixth for interceptions with 40, underlining consistent defensive influence.

Those numbers highlight why several European clubs monitored Vuskovic, even though Tottenham intend to keep the defender. Vuskovic, however, is currently focused on the World Cup with Croatia, while Srna’s comments and the latest international call-up are likely to further increase interest around the centre-back’s long-term role in European football.

Srna explained the personal link with the defender and Vuskovic’s family, noting long-standing ties through Hajduk Split and Shakhtar Donetsk. “I know Luka from when he was a kid because I played in the youth categories at Hajduk Split with his father, Danijel, the Shakhtar Donetsk sporting director told Flashscore.”

“He is a very good friend of mine. I know Luka and Mario, his two sons. They are amazing kids with amazing talent. Luka has already shown that he will have an amazing future. He plays with so much confidence that I have the feeling he is a 25-year-old player. For sure, he is part of the future of European football and of the Croatian national team.”

Interest in Vuskovic has already surfaced in the Premier League, with Brighton reported to have made a bid for the defender. That offer was described as well below Tottenham’s valuation, and Spurs are understood to prefer keeping Vuskovic, even as potential suitors from across Europe continue to track the player’s progress.

Srna’s assessment aligns with current club and international trajectories for Vuskovic, who combines strong physical presence with composure that Srna compares to a 25-year-old. With World Cup experience now ahead and Tottenham controlling the contract, Vuskovic appears set to remain a central figure in discussions about Croatia and European football over the coming seasons.