First winning over Šimundža, then the fans: Just 17-year-old Niko Grlić made the most of a crucial Mulalić error for his debut goal in the 1. SNL
Photo: Žan Pak
Anyone who closely follows the events in Slovenian youth football won’t be surprised: Niko Grlić has been among the most promising players for some time now. However, those whose view stops at the edge of senior football are, to be honest, surprised. And rightly so. Although Niko Grlić has just made his debut for the Maribor first team, he has already managed to make an impression. And what an impression it was. On Thursday against Botev, he almost scored on his debut. What he didn’t manage against the Bulgarians, he did against the Domžale players.
Niko Grlić, who is just 17 years old, capitalized on a major mistake by the Domžale goalkeeper in the seventh minute of the match at Ljudski vrt. Ajdin Mulalić had already gained possession of the ball, but as he slid on the grass, it slipped from his hands. This was a golden opportunity for the promising teenager; he set himself up with his left foot and sent a well-placed shot into the open net of his former club. A debut in the Prva Liga Telemach and immediately a goal!
The winger is originally from Celje, but has been proving himself in Maribor since 2021, having transferred from the princely town. Initially, he made a name for himself in the cadet team, then in the youth team, with which he won the national championship last season.
His contribution to the youth Eon NextGen League triumph was exceptional: in 29 matches, he scored 13 goals. This was enough for Ante Šimundža to invite him to the senior team preparations after his first season with the youth squad. Niko Grlić, who has a professional contract with Maribor until the end of the calendar year 2025, first impressed the coach and now the fans, becoming the next young talent on the main stage, suggesting he could be a bright future for Slovenian football.
This text was automatically translated using AI.
Author: editorial Football Planet
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