Luka Tunjić Is a New White and Blues Player

NK Osijek’s newest signing is 20-year-old Croatian international Luka Tunjić. He has signed a two-year contract with an option to extend for a further season and has immediately joined up with the first-team squad. He arrives in Osijek from Dutch top-flight side Fortuna Sittard, where he gained his first experience of professional football.

I was born in Hamburg, where I grew up and progressed through the youth ranks. I first trained with a senior team in Kiel, and my agent suggested a move to the Netherlands. It was my first step into professional football when I signed for Fortuna Sittard. I moved there when I was 18 and it was a very good and valuable experience for me. Michael Ballackwatched me when I played for Kiel’s youth team against HSV. I had a good game and caught his attention. I remember that after just 45 minutes he said: “I’m taking him.” He still represents me today and I’m sure he’ll remain with me as my career progresses.

Tunjić is capable of playing in several positions, although he feels most comfortable in an attacking midfield role.

It’s a little unusual when people write and talk about me playing in so many positions, but I’ve always played wherever the coach saw me and needed me. Primarily, though, I’m an attacking midfielder, a number ten you could say, although I can also drop deeper and play as an eight. I prefer more attacking roles, but I’m comfortable in other positions as well. If I could perform well on either the right or left wing, I’m not afraid of taking responsibility in any other role. The coaches were happy with the way I carried out my tasks, so I adapted to what was asked of me. The most important thing for me is to play and contribute to the team.

Determined to Establish Himself at Osijek and Return to the Croatia U21 Team

After representing Bosnia and Herzegovina at youth level, Tunjić accepted a call-up from Ivica Olić, head coach of the Croatia U21 national team, for whom he has scored two goals and provided one assist in eight appearances.

I haven’t had too many minutes with the national team, but I think I’ve shown that I don’t need much time to score a goal. I’d say I’m dangerous in front of the opposition goal and that I’m comfortable in my primary role. I hope to receive more call-ups and get the opportunity to earn my place in the national team. Of course, that will depend on my performances for Osijek. That’s why my first goal is to establish myself at my new Club and earn consistent playing time.

He says he learned a lot and gained valuable experience during his time at Fortuna.

I was very happy and motivated when I arrived. It was a big step forward in my career. I quickly adapted to the coach’s demands and to that level of football, which was a new and demanding experience. I think I showed that I could meet expectations, and I didn’t have to wait long for my first goal either. I was particularly pleased with my first season. I didn’t play much in the second, but I believe I made good use of the time I was given on the pitch.

He has not made a competitive appearance since April, but has continued to train every day and prepare for the next challenge in his career.

I feel very good and physically ready. I trained every day with a team in Germany and completed a full pre-season. I’m arriving in Osijek having maintained a good training rhythm and I believe it won’t take me long to reach the level of fitness I want.

“I Enjoyed Watching Osijek Against Dinamo”

Tunjić watched the match against Dinamo live and experienced the atmosphere at Opus Arena for the first time.

The boys played an excellent match. They were very good on the ball and in possession, and they showed a lot of energy as well. Pressing throughout the entire match against a team like Dinamo isn’t easy, and they did it very well. I particularly liked that. I hope to settle in as quickly as possible, help the team and continue achieving good results together. I’d also like to praise the atmosphere in the stadium – I really enjoyed it. That kind of support can mean a lot to us in every match, said Luka.

Sporting Director Kenneth Zandvliet expressed his satisfaction with Tunjić’s arrival and highlighted the qualities that made the Club keen to sign him.

We’re delighted to have Luka join us. He is a young and talented player whom I know from the Dutch league. He is competitive, energetic and isn’t afraid to take players on one-on-one, while he also possesses very good technical qualities. He can play in several positions in midfield as well as on the wing, which will give us additional options. We believe in his potential, but it is now up to him to earn his place in the team through his work and performances. We welcome him and wish him every success in the NK Osijek shirt, said Zandvliet.