Is Armin Hodzic the Next Edin Dzeko?
Posted by Adem On March 13, 2014 1 Comment 44 Total Views
Leading the line for Zeljo
It seems like every few months or so, a new name pops up in Bosnia, or across the Bosnian diaspora, some unknown young talent, being compared to Bosnia’s leading hitman, Edin Dzeko. And yet, very few truly live up to the hype and the expectations. Many said that Armin Hodzic would fall through, like countless others, but just as Dzeko was a diamond in the rough, Zeljeznicar might have hit the jackpot, and bottled lighting for a second time.
Armin Hodzic (1994) is a 19 year-old striker playing for FK Zeljeznicar in Bosnia’s top domestic flight, the Premijer Liga, on loan from Liverpool. Standing at 1.82m, Hodzic is a mutli-talented forward, possessing the classic strength and positioning prowess of a traditional center-forward, but also speed and technique which usually compliments secondary strikers, or classic tens.
Hodzic passed through Zeljeznicar’s youth ranks before Liverpool purchased the young talent in May of 2011, for a reported fee of 150,000 euros. He has since then premiered for Liverpool’s youth teams, as well as the reserves, but predominately played on loan back to his home club Zeljo.
So far this season, Hodzic has scored ten goals in 18 league matches, a total of 1256 minutes. He is the leading scorer of the best club in the Bosnian Premier League. Hodzic has passed through all of Bosnia’s youth teams, currently playing for the Bosnian U21 teams under Vlado Jagodic.
Hodzic in action for Bosnia
Back when Hodzic was still playing for Zeljeznicar’s youth team, at 16 years old, current manager Amar Osim (son of Ivica Osim) had just taken over as manager. Upon viewing the player for the first time, he declared, “For nobody can you truly say whether they will become a good player or not. You cannot know for certain how their body will develop and in which direction their head will follow. One thing is certain however, if he stays healthy, Armin Hodzic will be a fantastic player.”
16 year old Hodzic
It would seem that Osim’s words are slowly becoming true, with Hodzic evolving into a top player, worthy of being considered one of the best to come through Zeljeznicar’s school, and certainly in the Bosnian youth system. Recently, the young player showed incredible composure and understanding of when to pick a moment by scoring two important goals to bring his team victory over league rivals Zrinjski Mostar, who are also in the championship hunt.
After spending the winter break with Liverpool, training and developing, bettering his body and skill, the young player’s game is already like night and day compared to the fall portion of the season. After showing some signs of rust in the first game against Bijelina, he was still proclaimed the player of the match, despite missing some good chances. He’s shaken off the rust with gusto since.
Hodzic at Liverpool
“I feel great after doing well with Liverpool. I’m hungry to prove myself, hungry for goals and competition. I’m more confident, and I know I can play even better than before. I’m happy my career is on the right path.”
FK Sarajevo ace, and legend, Slavisa Vukicevic, who works for the “Sport global management,” group observed the young player at the Zeljeznicar – Zrinsjki match.
“My agency was working with FIFA during the Kosovo & Haiti friendly. Upon the request of two Ligue 1 clubs, I came here to scout Hodizc, and I have to say, I am incredibly impressed.”
“I saw a player that reminded me of Suarez. He can play on multiple positions on the field, left, right, in the middle, as a secondary striker, or as a classic forward. He runs a lot, and he has that certain hunger and desire in his eyes and in his legs. His technique is excellent for such a young player. All in all, he has all the predispositions to become a top player in the world.”
Hodzic in derby action
Game by game, Hodzic is evolving and maturing as a player, showing all of the attributes necessary of a big time player. Hodzic is truly living up to the hype, and in Dzeko’s fashion, a domestic diamond in the rough, waiting to be discovered. On derby day in Sarajevo, Zeljeznicar faced their old cross town nemesis in the quarter final of the Bosnian Cup. Hodzic played the full 90 minutes, and even though he didn’t score, created loads of chances for his club, contributing to build up play, and playing unselfishly.
The following video shows Hodzic clawing and fighting for the ball to set up his team-mates to take the lead.
Hodzic holds off two Sarajevo defenders, loses possession briefly, but doesn’t give up on the play and claws back the ball with a precisely timed tackle, passing it in one fell swoop to set up the winger on his left. This is just one example of the competitive spirit in the boots of the young striker.
Beyond football, off the field, Hodzic is a poster child player, always smiling, with a can-do attitude, quickly becoming a fan favorite with the Zeljeznicar fans, who have on numerous occasion given him the “Player of the Month,” award. They see a skilled player in Hodzic, but above all, a fighter. Luka Modric, who at one time played for Zrinjski in Bosnia’s top league once stated, “I played football in Bosnia and made it. Any player who can do that, has my respect.” And in the mud drenched, cold football fields of Bosnia, Armin Hodzic has made it.
Armin with his award
Source: http://bhdragons.com/player-profile-armin-hodzic/
Posted by Adem On March 13, 2014 1 Comment 44 Total Views
Leading the line for Zeljo
It seems like every few months or so, a new name pops up in Bosnia, or across the Bosnian diaspora, some unknown young talent, being compared to Bosnia’s leading hitman, Edin Dzeko. And yet, very few truly live up to the hype and the expectations. Many said that Armin Hodzic would fall through, like countless others, but just as Dzeko was a diamond in the rough, Zeljeznicar might have hit the jackpot, and bottled lighting for a second time.
Armin Hodzic (1994) is a 19 year-old striker playing for FK Zeljeznicar in Bosnia’s top domestic flight, the Premijer Liga, on loan from Liverpool. Standing at 1.82m, Hodzic is a mutli-talented forward, possessing the classic strength and positioning prowess of a traditional center-forward, but also speed and technique which usually compliments secondary strikers, or classic tens.
Hodzic passed through Zeljeznicar’s youth ranks before Liverpool purchased the young talent in May of 2011, for a reported fee of 150,000 euros. He has since then premiered for Liverpool’s youth teams, as well as the reserves, but predominately played on loan back to his home club Zeljo.
So far this season, Hodzic has scored ten goals in 18 league matches, a total of 1256 minutes. He is the leading scorer of the best club in the Bosnian Premier League. Hodzic has passed through all of Bosnia’s youth teams, currently playing for the Bosnian U21 teams under Vlado Jagodic.
Hodzic in action for Bosnia
Back when Hodzic was still playing for Zeljeznicar’s youth team, at 16 years old, current manager Amar Osim (son of Ivica Osim) had just taken over as manager. Upon viewing the player for the first time, he declared, “For nobody can you truly say whether they will become a good player or not. You cannot know for certain how their body will develop and in which direction their head will follow. One thing is certain however, if he stays healthy, Armin Hodzic will be a fantastic player.”
16 year old Hodzic
It would seem that Osim’s words are slowly becoming true, with Hodzic evolving into a top player, worthy of being considered one of the best to come through Zeljeznicar’s school, and certainly in the Bosnian youth system. Recently, the young player showed incredible composure and understanding of when to pick a moment by scoring two important goals to bring his team victory over league rivals Zrinjski Mostar, who are also in the championship hunt.
After spending the winter break with Liverpool, training and developing, bettering his body and skill, the young player’s game is already like night and day compared to the fall portion of the season. After showing some signs of rust in the first game against Bijelina, he was still proclaimed the player of the match, despite missing some good chances. He’s shaken off the rust with gusto since.
Hodzic at Liverpool
“I feel great after doing well with Liverpool. I’m hungry to prove myself, hungry for goals and competition. I’m more confident, and I know I can play even better than before. I’m happy my career is on the right path.”
FK Sarajevo ace, and legend, Slavisa Vukicevic, who works for the “Sport global management,” group observed the young player at the Zeljeznicar – Zrinsjki match.
“My agency was working with FIFA during the Kosovo & Haiti friendly. Upon the request of two Ligue 1 clubs, I came here to scout Hodizc, and I have to say, I am incredibly impressed.”
“I saw a player that reminded me of Suarez. He can play on multiple positions on the field, left, right, in the middle, as a secondary striker, or as a classic forward. He runs a lot, and he has that certain hunger and desire in his eyes and in his legs. His technique is excellent for such a young player. All in all, he has all the predispositions to become a top player in the world.”
Hodzic in derby action
Game by game, Hodzic is evolving and maturing as a player, showing all of the attributes necessary of a big time player. Hodzic is truly living up to the hype, and in Dzeko’s fashion, a domestic diamond in the rough, waiting to be discovered. On derby day in Sarajevo, Zeljeznicar faced their old cross town nemesis in the quarter final of the Bosnian Cup. Hodzic played the full 90 minutes, and even though he didn’t score, created loads of chances for his club, contributing to build up play, and playing unselfishly.
The following video shows Hodzic clawing and fighting for the ball to set up his team-mates to take the lead.
Hodzic holds off two Sarajevo defenders, loses possession briefly, but doesn’t give up on the play and claws back the ball with a precisely timed tackle, passing it in one fell swoop to set up the winger on his left. This is just one example of the competitive spirit in the boots of the young striker.
Beyond football, off the field, Hodzic is a poster child player, always smiling, with a can-do attitude, quickly becoming a fan favorite with the Zeljeznicar fans, who have on numerous occasion given him the “Player of the Month,” award. They see a skilled player in Hodzic, but above all, a fighter. Luka Modric, who at one time played for Zrinjski in Bosnia’s top league once stated, “I played football in Bosnia and made it. Any player who can do that, has my respect.” And in the mud drenched, cold football fields of Bosnia, Armin Hodzic has made it.
Armin with his award
Source: http://bhdragons.com/player-profile-armin-hodzic/
