FORMER North Geelong Warriors junior Arman Vejzović these days is plying his trade in Croatia with crack HNL outfit HNK Gorica’s youth team in the Croatian Youth League.
Playing in the same competition as another ex-North Geelong product, Noa Skoko who is on the books for Hajduk Split, Vejzović made a total of 16 appearances for Gorica, which finished in fourth spot on the competition standings in the season just completed.
Vejzović played for several seasons for the Warriors in the elite NPL Boys’ junior competitions before moving to A League side Western United.
He moved to NPL giants South Melbourne before successfully completing a trial at the well organised Velika Gorica based club on the outskirts of the capital, Zagreb.
“It all came about through my uncle who knew an agent overseas. He let that agent know that he had a nephew in Australia who wanted to have a shot in Europe.
One thing led to another and before too long several of the Gorica youth coaches were keen to see the youngster from Geelong in action.
Home sweet Turopolje home
Vejzović impressed at a trial and has since made the charming Turopolje town, which will soon become home to the Croatian national football team’s new training complex, his new home.
The talented 18 year old has got some sound words of advice for any budding young footballer wanting to make it to Europe.
“I think the biggest piece of advice I can give anyone is to not give up and work very hard,” said the former Warrior, speaking on this week’s edition of the Geelong Region Soccer Show podcast.
“And try not to focus on social media, that’s a big thing for me right now. Especially in this day and age,” continued Vejzović.
“You start comparing yourself to players such as (Spanish teen superstar) Lamine Yamal, who is the same age as me.
“Then you start to put into your head, what am I doing? I’m at the same age as him, but I’m only at an academy level – and look where he is.
According to Gorica’s new acquisition from Down Under, the main thing is opportunity.
“Never put it into your head that you can’t get to that level,” advised Vejzović.
“Because, given the opportunity, almost anyone – if they really want to – can perform and play at the highest level,” he added.
But, says Vejzović, a lot of people give up.
“So, my main bit of advice is don’t give up. And don’t focus too much on social media,” he told viewers on this week’s Geelong Region Soccer Show podcast.
To watch the full replay of the interview with Arman Vejzović, go to the following You Tube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHmvBDR4YPc&t=10s
