If there's one thing every manager likes to have in their squad, it's highly talented and highly versatile players.
One player who could be labelled as those two things is Shakhtar Donetsk and Croatia star
Darijo Srna who is more than capable at either right back or right midfield , having also played down the left in the past.
Last summer Srna claimed that he was very happy in Donetsk and would stay at the club as long as they wanted him. However, having just captained the Ukrainin side to UEFA Cup glory, his stock will never be higher, and Shakhtar may see now as the time to cash in – and the player may feel he’s achieved all he can in Ukrainian football. His versatility would make him a useful addition to virtually any squad and he won’t be short of offers should Shakhtar decide to sell.
"I can never get decent reception on this blasted thing..."
Srna has been linked with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and
Tottenham this summer, with Spurs defender
Vedran Corluka speculating that Harry Redknapp may wish to bring his Croatia team-mate to White Hart Lane and move former City man Corluka to centre back to accommodate him, although given Spurs' start to the season it would seem highly unlikely that Harry Redknapp would want to rock the boat, or indeed bring in a 27th right back.
Liverpool and
Chelsea have also been touted as potential suitors in the past. The Reds are unlikely to make a move, having already spent their summer kitty on England right back
Glen Johnson, but Chelsea may see the 27-year-old as a decent option, having missed out on Johnson and with Jose Bosingwa being linked with a move to Bayern Munich.
Srna could also prove an attractive proposition to the other members of the ‘Big Four’ (
© Sky Sports 2004) –
Arsenal and
Manchester United. With Gary Neville aging and Rafael still very raw, it could be that Fergie will look to bring in a right back at his peak to fill the role over the next three or four years. Arsene Wenger, meanwhile, will be more than happy with Bacary Sagna at rightback, but might see Srna’s versatility as cause to bring him to the Emirates, possibility as an upgrade on Emmanuel Eboue, who like Srna can play at right back or on the right of the midfield, and has been linked with a move away from N5.
Here, brought to you in conjunction with our friends at
Championship Manager, is our scouting report into the Croatian sensation...
"Turkey Twizzlers for tea - get in there!"
Darijo Srna
Date of Birth: 01/05/82 (27 years old)
Nationality: Croatian
Club: Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine)
Position: Right-sided full back or midfielder
Estimated transfer value: £14 million
Career History: Srna began his career in Croatia with Hajduk Split in 1999. He spent four very successful seasons with them before making the move to Shakhtar in 2003, where he has established himself as a key player and is the current club captain.
Playing Style: Srna is a very versatile player, comfortable playing anywhere on the right flank. He is best utilised when given the freedom to get into advanced positions, from where he can cross the ball with great accuracy. His high work-rate and stamina enable him to make these forays forward – he never stops running up and down the flank. He’s also not averse to having a pop at goal himself – testament to which is his impressive goal scoring record for a wide player of 17 in 62 matches at international level.
Strengths: Srna is deadly from free-kicks and an assured penalty taker. His crossing is also superb, and he possesses a very dangerous shot from distance. His work rate, versatility and professionalism make him an ideal team captain, and the kind of player every manager loves.
Weakness: He can be inconsistent and will therefore have the occasional off day. He also sometimes seems nervy under pressure, which can be a problem when he is playing against full-back against the game’s better wingers.
Ratings:
• Overall : 8.0
• Shooting : 8.0
• Passing : 7.9
• Heading : 4.0
• Tackling : 7.6
• Pace : 6.7
• Work-rate: 8.2
• Crossing : 7.9
• Creativity : 7.3
• Dribbling : 6.4
