Should Josip Iličić return to the Slovenian national team or not? On one side, there are loud criticisms, on the other side, there are voices of those who would welcome his return
Written by: Matjaž Škrjanec. Photo by: Grega Valančič / Sportida
It’s been a while since Josip Iličić last wore the Slovenian national team jersey. It was on November 14th, 2021, when Slovenia hosted the Cyprus national team at home. That was also the last match when today’s 36-year-old virtuoso even appeared on the national team roster. When Josip Iličić hinted in one of his recent statements to the media that he hasn’t completely given up on a national team comeback, the public’s reaction was expected. Some voiced their support for him. However, it wasn’t without loud criticism from those who were primarily skeptical. And it seems that the latter were in the majority.
Many criticized the forward for his physical unpreparedness, while others found the bone of contention in his lack of participation in any qualification match for the European Championship, arguing he doesn’t deserve to be part of Euro 2024 from that perspective. Interestingly, something similar, especially in terms of a return to the national team, was observed in Germany as well. In mid-February, Toni Kroos announced his return to the national team through his social media channels. Reactions? Completely different from Josip Iličić’s case.
One Is Valued, the Other Considered Spent
So why do foreign teams tend to welcome the return of their stars to the national team more warmly than is usually the case with us? It’s true that Josip Iličić dealt with significant issues and was far from the pitch for quite some time, but the recent signs at the end of his illustrious career, showing glimpses of the virtuoso he truly is, are undoubtedly encouraging. After all, Josip Iličić was selected as the Player of the Round in the last round of the national championship, and his on-field performance reflects the outlines of those championship times when Jojo made history even in the elite Champions League. Nevertheless, there are many who are convinced that Iličić has no place in the national team.
At 34 years of age, Toni Kroos, as mentioned, announced his return to the national team in mid-February, and the reactions in Germany, as well as abroad, were extremely positive. It is worth noting, however, that Germany has quite a few excellent midfielders, and Kroos’ return to the national team doesn’t necessarily provide much greater added value than the potential experience and quality Josip Iličić could offer to the Slovenian national team. When Slovenia struggled against Malta, there’s no doubt they could have benefited from a player who could turn the game around with a single move…
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Author: editorial Football Planet
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