Earmarked as a possible replacement for none other thank Frank Lampard, Mario Pašalić has been touted for big things in the future. Now the Croatian is set to extend his contract at Chelsea despite only signing for the Blues last summer. Conor O’Connell examines his rise and why such faith has been invested in the midfielder.
Born in the German city of Mainz, the birthplace of the movable printing press, Pašalić moved to Croatia at an early age where he has since developed into one of the country’s brightest hopes for the future. Indeed Pašalić joined the youth setup of one of Croatia’s oldest clubs, Hajduk Split, at the tender age of eleven. Five years later Pašalić alerted a number of top-tier clubs across Europe by scoring 17 goals from midfield in just a single season for the under-17s. Hence the comparison to the Premier League’s best ever midfield goal scorer.
It seemed Pašalić was destined for the first team, only for his progress to be hindered by a Staphylococcus infection. However after a lengthy absence and recuperation, Pašalić made his professional debut at the closing of the same season he fell ill. But the following season saw the then Croatian under-21 international really rise to prominence.
The 2013/14 campaign saw the youngster solidify his place in Hajduk’s first team where he lived up to his youth team reputation as a clinical finisher from midfield, recording 11 goals in the Croatian topflight. Nevertheless Pašalić exhibited more than just his ability to score goals, combining an impressive work rate and a natural vision, which along with his nationality has seen him compared to Luka Modrić. Standing at 6’1” Pašalić has the potential to be far more imposing than Luka and has displayed some of the qualities of a former Chelsea midfielder in Michael Ballack.
Pašalić also showed himself to be dependable on the big occasion, bagging a brace in a 2-0 victory over champions Dinamo Zagreb in what is known as the ‘Eternal Derby’. Although, rumour has it that Chelsea’s move for Pašalić had already been sanctioned when Pašalić scored the only goal as Hajduk beat city rivals RNK 1-0 with a certain Emenalo in attendance. That season also saw Pašalić make Niko Kovač’s 30-man list for the 2014 World Cup, narrowly missing out on the final squad to participate in Brazil.
With much of the attention firmly fixed on the acquisitions of Diego Costa and Cesc Fàbregas, many in the Chelsea hierarchy were quietly pleased with the modest £3,000,000 signing of Pašalić. Abramovich’s cheque-book and Mourinho’s project beat the likes of London rivals Tottenham as well as Liverpool, and in particular Lazio, who had actually agreed a contract for the player but failed to match Chelsea’s bid.
After arriving at Cobham, Pašalić met the Special One who advised him to play in Spain. Pašalić subsequently rejected the advances of PSV Eindhoven and duly signed a season-long loan with Primera Division minnows Elche with the club President, José Sepulcre, labeling Pašalić as the “future of world football.” While such praise seems a little premature to say the least, this season has seen the one time-capped Croatian international continue his development. Pašalić made his debut for Croatia’s senior team in September against Cyprus and has progressed his game from a box-to-box midfielder to a deeper role in the heart of Elche’s midfield.
Chelsea are believed to pleased with Pašalić’s path and are in regular contact with the youngster as revealed by the midfielder himself:
“I am often in touch with [Chelsea’s technical director] Michael Emenalo, he keeps calling me. They send me videos of my games with hints and suggestions of what to fix in the game and how.”
Despite only scoring 3 goals this term Pašalić has performed well in a defensive-minded team, a team that have battled their way to a near mid-table finish. Once more, Pašalić has proven to be matured beyond his years and given the intensity of communication with Chelsea, a new deal certainly looks in the offing. Additionally with UK rules regarding work permits for Croatian nationals relaxing this summer, the young midfielder may get his chance in the Premier league, either on loan or in Chelsea blue.
