Croatian football has been producing talented players for years, with many showcasing their potential in the domestic league before making the leap to top-level clubs abroad. In the past season, Dominik Prpić delivered a convincing performance that suggested he, too, was ready for the next step – a move that has now materialized, as the Croatian youth international centre-back has joined FC Porto in a €4.5 million transfer.

In Croatia, young players are regularly given a restic chance to break into first-team football, often receiving significant minutes even during their teenage years. This was no different in the case of Dominik Prpić. Although born and raised in Zagreb – starting his football journey with NK Zagreb at the age of six – by the time he reached senior level, he was already a product of HNK Hajduk Split’s youth system.

„Dominik was progressing well in Zagreb, but as parents, we felt that joining Hajduk would be the right decision,” his father recalled. “We spoke with Gojun, who oversees Hajduk’s academy, and we decided to make the move. He was just 13 when he moved to Split on his own. He was in sixth grade at the time and continued his education at Spinut during seventh and eighth. It was not an easy decision to let him go at such a young age. We believed he could handle it, although, to be honest, I don’t know if we’d make the same decision again.”

Prpić joined the Dalmatian club in the summer of 2017 and quickly became a regular in various youth teams. By the U18 level, he had already established himself in Croatia’s national youth selections. In 2022, he earned his debut with Hajduk’s first team, and in a logical step forward, spent the first half of the 2023–24 season on loan at NK Radomlje. Following a strong autumn spell, Hajduk recalled him for the second half of the season, where he gradually secured a starting role. Over the course of the campaign, Prpić proved why clubs from top European leagues had already shown interest in him across the previous two transfer windows. The fact that he is a left-footed, duel-strong centre-back who also offers added value in possession only increases his market appeal.

DEFENSIVE PROFILE

With Gennaro Gattuso appointed as Hajduk’s head coach in the summer of 2024, the team adopted a more combative and disciplined approach. Tactically, Gattuso placed a premium on structural stability and balance – particularly through an organized midfield and back line. While the execution fell short of this vision, results did improve, and Hajduk remained in contention for the league title after a turbulent period.

The defensive unit as a whole failed to fully convince, but there was no doubt that Prpić delivered the strongest individual season of his career. The left-footed centre-back, despite his young age, already possesses a notably well-rounded defensive profile. What immediately stands out is his assertiveness in duels and the clarity with which he times his defensive interventions. His defending is built more on anticipation than on sheer intensity – although physically and mentally he can cope with high demands, he prefers to read the game and intervene early, often even before the attacking sequence fully materialises.

• Defensive intensity - 46th percentile
• Interceptions - 46th percentile
• Ball recoveries - 49th percentile
• Tackles attempted - 54th percentile
• Tackle success rate - 82nd percentile
• Defensive aerial duels - 28th percentile
• Defensive aerial duels success - 72nd percentile

The data paints a clear picture: Prpić may not be the most active defender in terms of volume, but he is highly efficient—often choosing the optimal moment to engage and rarely taking unnecessary risks. He wins a high percentage of his duels, both on the ground and in the air, and excels in physical contact situations. His body positioning is strong, he rarely gets caught out of position, and he is not afraid to initiate shoulder-to-shoulder challenges. While his tackle volume is average, the success rate is noteworthy – most of his interventions are clean, well-timed, and structurally sound.

A key strength lies in his ability to anticipate and shut down passing lanes before the opposition can advance. In terms of decision-making, he shows maturity beyond his years – knowing when to step out and when to drop, all while maintaining optimal body orientation and spatial awareness. He generally avoids unnecessary fouls, reflecting not just discipline but also his high-level game reading. Occasionally, he steps out into midfield too aggressively, but this seems more of a result of his proactive defensive style than poor discipline.

ON-BALL CONTRIBUTION

Prpić is a modern centre-back who is comfortable operating in possession. While he isn’t the primary initiator of Hajduk’s build-up from the back, he does take on an active supporting role during the first and second phases. His passing game is efficient and calculated, he rarely wastes possession.

• Total touches 67th percentilie
• Final-third touches 49th percentilie
• Touches inside opposition box 21st percentilie
• Passes attempted 59th percentilie
• Pass accuracy 82nd percentilie
• Short passes 74th percentilie
• Short passes accuracy 95th percentilie

• Forward passes - 33rd percentile
• Forward passes accuracy - 79th percentile
• Progressive passes – 59th percentile
• Progressive passes accuracy – 59th percentile
• Passes into final third – 49th percentile
• Passes into final third accuracy – 77th percentile

Prpić also shows a willingness to drive forward with the ball when no immediate passing option is available. These carries are not merely evasive, but are used as tools to disrupt the opponent’s defensive shape. His progressive ball-carrying is particularly effective: he accelerates quickly, scans space intelligently, and isn’t afraid to enter high-pressure zones centrally. These forward surges often attract multiple defenders and create space for teammates – indirectly contributing to build-up play and chance creation.

• Carries – 90th percentile
• Carries distance - 87th percentile
• Progressive carries – 77th percentile

This type of proactive ball-carrying is especially valuable in systems where centre-backs are expected to initiate attacking transitions. While his creativity might not be as apparent as that of an attacking midfielder, it is still notable for a central defender. He can vary tempo, identify tight-space options, and even attempt direct long balls into depth. There is still room for refinement in execution, but the intention and technical vision are already there.

CONCLUSION

Dominik Prpić stands out among his peers thanks to his defensive efficiency, positional discipline, and composure on the ball. While he is not the primary ball-playing centre-back in his team, his progressive carries allow him to break lines and create space. He possesses a mentally and technically balanced player profile that already demonstrates a high level of stability. Now, his development enters a new phase, as FC Porto has invested €4.5 million in him – offering the Croatian defender the chance to prove himself on a truly international stage.