By 
Luka Vuskovic experienced a bittersweet evening on Tuesday as his Croatia U21 side bowed out of the European U21 Championship qualifiers on penalties. While the defeat was disappointing for the 17-year-old defender, it ensures an earlier start to his Tottenham Hotspur career this summer.
The highly-rated central defender will join Spurs upon turning 18 in February, after agreeing to a move from Hajduk Split. Despite being on loan at Belgian side Westerlo this season, where he has been a standout performer with four goals and an assist in 14 appearances, Vuskovic is already seen as one of Europe’s brightest young talents.
At Westerlo, Vuskovic has also linked up with Tottenham midfielder Alfie Devine, who joined the Belgian club in September. Both players have impressed in the Jupiler Pro League, showcasing Spurs’ promising future talents.
On the international stage, Vuskovic played a key role for Croatia U21s during their two-legged playoff against Georgia. Despite a 1-0 defeat in the away leg, Croatia responded with a 3-2 home victory, forcing a dramatic penalty shoot-out. Vuskovic converted his spot-kick, but Croatia ultimately fell short, losing 7-6 in the shoot-out and missing out on next summer’s tournament in Slovakia.
While the result was a blow for Croatia, it benefits Tottenham. Had Vuskovic participated in the U21 Euros, which run from June 11 to 28, he would have required at least three weeks of rest, delaying his arrival at Spurs’ pre-season training. Instead, the talented teenager will now report to Hotspur Way on the first day of pre-season, giving him a full summer to integrate into Ange Postecoglou’s squad.
Tottenham supporters will be eager to see Vuskovic in action as he embarks on his Premier League journey, with his early arrival offering a promising start to his development in north London.
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