Tottenham Hotspur defender Luka Vuskovic has made an instant impression during his loan spell with Hamburger SV, but the Croatian teenager insists he is not thinking about his long-term future.
The 18-year-old centre-back has wasted no time in showing why Spurs rate him so highly.
After opening his account with a goal earlier this month, Vuskovic produced a commanding display on Sunday as Hamburg held Union Berlin to a goalless draw.
His performance was one for the history books. He won an astonishing 18 duels, the most by any player across Europe’s top five leagues in the past five seasons.
When asked about his long-term future, Vuskovic was quick to play down speculation. “I just arrived, so that’s not an issue right now,” he said (via Football London). “Let’s see what happens next summer.”
Tottenham want Vuskovic to fight for his place next season
Tottenham have been firm on that point too, refusing to include any permanent transfer option when sanctioning his loan move.
They want the player to focus fully on his development. Thomas Frank is believed to be a huge admirer of the Croatian centre-back, but the club decided that regular football in Germany was the best step.
The plan is for Vuskovic to return to Tottenham and fight for a place in the first team squad.
Vuskovic’s teammates at Hamburg have waxed lyrical about his impact at the club. Midfielder Miro Muheim described him as a “monster,” praising his dominance in the air.
“He’s a monster, for sure,” Muheim said. “I don’t think he lost a single header. He’s doing a great job. The boy is a superb footballer and is helping us tremendously.”
Goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes shared that view, hailing Vuskovic’s presence and aerial strength as exactly what the team needs to compete in the Bundesliga.
“When you see Luka, how he always went for headers as a flexible player,” Fernandes said.
“That was something you need in games like this. This aerial dominance he has, this presence. It’s simply something that’s good for us.”