Martin Baturina has put Europe on notice
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
Martin Baturina (Photo: Bryan Berlin / WikiPortraits/CC BY-SA 4.0)
Martin Baturina’s development has entered a new phase. The 23-year-old Croatia international produced one of the biggest performances of his career this week, scoring and assisting in Como’s historic 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig in the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League match.
Baturina opened the scoring after 15 minutes before setting up Anastasios Douvikas for Como’s second goal. He was substituted in the 66th minute but had already done enough to earn UEFA’s official Player of the Match award.
For Baturina, it was another indication that the Croatian midfielder is beginning to turn the potential that has followed him since his Dinamo Zagreb days into consistent influence at the highest level.
A player with a familiar Croatian profile
Baturina has long been compared with Luka Modrić.
The comparison is not based simply on nationality or their shared connection with Dinamo Zagreb. Both are technically gifted midfielders who are comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, finding space between opponents and creating opportunities with quick passes and intelligent movement.
Baturina’s low centre of gravity, close control and ability to turn away from pressure are among his most notable qualities. Tactical analysis of his game has highlighted his ability to operate in tight spaces, while his passing and chance creation have consistently stood out.
His style, however, is not an exact copy of Modrić.
Baturina generally plays higher up the pitch and has shown a greater natural emphasis on attacking the final third. His ability to arrive in scoring positions, provide the final pass and contribute goals has become an increasingly important part of his game.
The Como move has changed his trajectory
After establishing himself at Dinamo, Baturina moved to Como in 2025 to take the next step in his career. His first period in Italy was not straightforward. Como had other creative options, particularly Nico Paz, and Baturina initially had to compete for a regular role.
His performances improved significantly during 2026.
Baturina is today one of Como’s main creative players, with his chance creation, goals and assists becoming increasingly influential.
Baturina has scored twice in his first three Serie A appearances of the 2026/27 campaign, and his Champions League performance against Leipzig added another goal and assist to his growing European profile.
His biggest strength is arguably what he can do when opponents try to take time away from him.
Baturina is comfortable receiving possession in congested areas and has the technique to escape pressure rather than simply playing the ball backwards. His first touch allows him to turn quickly, while his vision means he can identify passing options before they become obvious.
He is also becoming more decisive.
Earlier in his career, Baturina could sometimes appear to prioritise keeping possession and moving the ball rather than directly influencing the result. His recent performances suggest a more aggressive approach, with more goals, assists and attempts to make things happen in the final third.
His passing remains a major asset. Statistical analysis of his Serie A performances has highlighted his ability to create chances and his low rate of being dispossessed, particularly impressive for a young attacking midfielder operating under pressure.
He also possesses good movement between the lines and an ability to find pockets of space, making him difficult for opponents to track.
The Modrić comparisons also underline what Baturina still has to develop. Modrić’s greatness was not built solely on technique. His extraordinary acceleration over short distances, balance, stamina, physical resilience, defensive work and ability to control the rhythm of an entire match made him one of the most complete midfielders of his generation.
Baturina is not yet at that level.
His physicality remains an area where improvement would benefit his game, particularly when competing for physical duels and in aerial battles.
His explosive speed is also not a defining characteristic. He is agile and capable of producing a burst in tight areas, but not as a high-speed transition player.
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Baturina still has to demonstrate that he can consistently dictate matches against the very best opponents, particularly when his team does not dominate possession. His defensive intensity, off-ball work and ability to influence games from deeper positions will be important parts of that development.
A potential successor, not a replacement
The 41-year-old Modrić remains available to the national team, but Baturina is increasingly becoming one of the players associated with Croatia’s midfield future.
Baturina does not need to become another Modrić to become a world-class midfielder. He can develop into a different type of player, one who combines Croatian technical intelligence and midfield awareness with greater attacking responsibility.
His recent performances do not make Baturina a world-class midfielder overnight, but at 23, his trajectory is increasingly pointing in that direction.
