Nikola Katic

Who is Nikola Katic?

Nikola Katic is a professional footballer from Croatia who plays as a centre-half for Scottish Premiership club Rangers. The defender has played once for his country’s national team in 2017.

He started his football career at the beginning of his century at HNK Stolac in his native Stolac before switching to NK Neretvanac in Opuzen, Croatia.

Nikola was soon moved to the club’s first team and started featuring in Treca HNL Jug. In 2002, he went on a trial with the Prva HNL outfit HNK Hajduk Split’s reserve team but didn’t sign.

The following year, however, he moved to NK Slaven Belupo. At first, mostly featuring for the youth side, Katic broke into the club’s first roster in the 2016–17 season.

In June 2018, Nikola left Slaven to sign for the Gers on a four-year contract for an undisclosed transfer fee.

On 29 December 2019, he netted the winning goal in a 2–1 victory in the Old Firm versus arch-rivals Celtic, the first win at Celtic Park for Steven Gerrard’s side since 2010.

He missed the entire year with a serious knee injury picked up in pre-season, but Katic is now back in full training with the rest o the team.

What is his international career like?

The centre-back represented Croatia at U21 level, playing against Austria and Slovenia four years ago.

Katic was called up to his nation’s senior team in May 2017, and he made his full international debut as a late substitute for Ivan Santini in a 2–1 victory against Mexico.

The 24-year-old star was named in Croatia’s roster for UEFA U21 Euro 2019 and was featured in all three group stage games as Croatia finished last in the group following losses to France and Romania and a draw with England.

What is Nikola Katic’s playing style?

He is a towering defender, and the height often proves to be advantageous for the Croatian in set-piece situations.

Katic is a brilliant player and is blessed with exceptional skills. Nikola is quite hard-working with the way he fulfils his duties in the defence.

His pace helps Katic to link up with the forwards up front, and he is adept at bullying the opposition attackers. With his pace and height, Katic is brilliant at keeping trouble at bay.