Luka Vušković: 'Hamburg is an amazing club'
Currently on loan at Hamburg from Tottenham Hotspur, 18-year-old senior Croatia international Luka Vušković is taking the Bundesliga by storm, combining jaw-dropping stats with several commanding performances.
In our recent interview, the Split native talked about scoring HSV's first Bundesliga goal in seven years and shared his thoughts on previous opponent Harry Kane, as well as this weekend's mouthwatering encounter against Borussia Dortmund at the Volksparkstadion.
How has your experience at Hamburg been so far?
Luka Vušković: "I think it's a really amazing club with a big, big history, top fans, and I really like the players - as players and as people.
"The coaching staff also believe in me a lot, so it helps me to play well and I think, for me, it's a very, very good step, and I'm really happy I'm here."
What makes HSV so special for you?
Vušković: "It's mostly about my brother [Mario] and how they deal with [him], how they pushed him to be a better player. After what happened, they were next to him in every moment, the fans as well. It was crazy for me to see when I came here."
Watch: Vušković nets first HSV goal
Earlier this season, you scored what was Hamburg's first goal in the Bundesliga for seven years. Talk us through the emotion of that.
Vušković: "I think I was not even aware just how big it was. I was just very happy to score, to help the team and [to have my] friend, girlfriend, and brother there. It was a very special moment for me also in that way, and I'm very happy that we won that game. It was a very good feeling."
How do you assess the team's development from the time you came here to now?
Vušković: "I think we are becoming better each game. The last match [against Cologne] was not so good. Everybody could see it, but also the last few games we were not very lucky.
"But I think we are becoming a better team and that we just need to continue on our path, to trust the process and to give everything on the pitch, to stay focused, to believe. I think we are managing things well."
Watch: Vušković wins October Rookie of the Month!
You've been voted back-to-back Rookie of the Month for September and October. What does that mean to you?
Vušković: "It means a lot because it means I'm developing well, and I think a lot has come from my teammates and from the staff here because they believe in me a lot. They are helping me every day in training and in the games, and I'm really happy to have them. Without them, this would hardly be possible."
What's the secret to your game and how do you assess your own performances, which have been fantastic for an 18-year-old?
Vušković: "I think I have the height; I have good timing, and yes, I try to give my best in every header, in every drill, because that's part of my game. As a defender, you have to work on [these things] a lot because in the Bundesliga there are many long balls, many crosses, and I'm really happy that my stats are good and that I'm helping the team in that way."
What are your expectations for the rest of the season with Hamburg?
Vušković: "I think we are a very good team. We are developing well. It's not been the greatest start to the season, but we all trust the process. We all believe we can see that we are a good team, that we are good at the games, and I think we should look to stay in the league.
"I think we should look to do our best, and then at the end of the season, whatever happens, happens. In whichever place we are, we made it happen, and I hope it will be a good place."
You've already played against Harry Kane this season. What are your thoughts on the Bundesliga's leading scorer?
Vušković: "I think he's a top, top player. It's a big problem that he's also a playmaker. He can play in whatever position and he's unbelievably clinical in the box. He scores whatever comes his way; I think he's one of the best strikers in the world, and he proves it every game.
How are you feeling about the home game against Borussia Dortmund this weekend?
Vušković: "I think we will of course have our chances, like in every game. We have to believe in ourselves. We have to give everything, give 100 percent for every ball from the first to the last minute. I think we will do a good job and I really believe in us; everybody believes in us.
"I think that we will have amazing support from the fans who will be pushing us forward in every moment, and that's also unbelievably good for us."
Related news
Ambitious Hamburg hard at work
After a seven-year absence from the Bundesliga, Hamburg are keen to continue their upward trajectory.
Vušković rushes to opposition player's aid
Luka Vušković made a potentially life-saving intervention following an injury to Rasmus Kristensen during Hamburg's meeting with Frankfurt.
HSV edge Bremen in five-goal Nordderby thriller
Hamburg claimed bragging rights in the first Bundesliga Nordderby in eight years in a thrilling match.