Our columnist takes at look at Croatian midfielder Ante Coric, and what the new signing might bring to the Giallorossi next season...

Signing 21-year-old Croatian starlet Ante Coric is certainly a statement of intent for AS Roma, as they open their transfer business this summer.

Having kept a close eye on the midfielder for some time, securing the immensely talented Coric for just €6 million is unquestionably a shrewd piece of business by Monchi and the club.

Despite his tender years, Coric arrives with plenty of senior experience, for he featured 143 times for Dinamo Zagreb, scoring 23 and assisting 24 in that time, played in the Champions League, the Europa League and has even won four caps for the national team.



Having moved to Austria as a youngster to play for Red Bull Salzburg's academy, Coric has adjusted to new surroundings before and so should have a strong chance of settling in swiftly and adjusting to life in a new, unfamiliar environment.

Moreover, upon analysing his skill set, the highly coveted prospect - who'll add some essential depth and quality in midfield - would seem a great fit for Eusebio Di Francesco's system too, meaning he should be able to transfer his qualities effectively so he can hit the ground running.



An exceptional technician, the diminutive maestro's dribbling ability is a tremendous asset, allowing him to unbalance his markers with his razor sharp ball control, vast array of feints and shimmies, plus his wicked initial acceleration, to regularly get the better of his opponents in 1v1 scenarios or generate room for a pass.



So composed and coherent in possession, the elusive Coric does a fine job of provoking pressing actions, in order to draw out an opponent to create a free man. If contact is made by a foe, though, it's impressive to observe the way Coric uses his low centre of gravity, balance and admirable strength to hold them off to persistently come out on top with the ball still at his feet.



Once in position to execute a pass, his expertise in this regard sees him connect play cleanly through his tidy range and vision, which means he's accomplished playing penetrative line breaking passes, cleverly lofted through balls over the top and combining intricately in close quarters.



Further positive can be gained from his intuitive movement, that enables him to precisely choose when to push wide to support his team's wing mechanics or drop deep alongside the centre-backs, with both key in manufacturing numerical superiorities to progress moves upfield smoothly.