Melbourne Heart FC has secured its key attacking weapon for the Hyundai A-League 2012/13 season with the signing of former Dinamo Zagreb striker Josip Tadic.
Tadic, 24, becomes Heart’s latest recruit, following the arrivals of Liberian international Patrick Gerhardt, defender Steven Gray, Young Socceroo Golgol Mebrahtu and two-time Hyundai A-League Champion Andrew Redmayne.
Boasting an impressive first touch, a deceptive turn of pace and strength in possession, Tadic will bolster Heart’s attacking stocks during the upcoming campaign, with his clinical finishing ability making him a danger in and around the 18-yard box.
Head Coach John Aloisi revealed his delight at Tadic’s signing, saying the former Croatian youth international possesses all the tools required to succeed in the Hyundai A-League.
“Josip’s a number nine, holds up the ball well, finds good positions in the box and is a goal scorer. He’s a very important signing,” Aloisi said.
“Having won three titles on the bounce during his time at Dinamo Zagreb alongside Luka Modric, Josip will bring a winning mentality and is the perfect type of player for our system.
“He will be the player we look for to score goals and we’re sure he will. Josip is a player with a lot to prove.”
Tadic arrives at Heart following an accomplished career in Europe, where the angular attacker enjoyed stints with German outfits Bayer Leverkusen and Arminia Bielefeld, and French Ligue 1 side Grenoble Foot 38.
Tadic though enjoyed his greatest success with Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb, scoring 20 goals in 62 appearances as a part of Dinamo’s golden generation which included the likes of Eduardo, Luka Modric, Croatian captain Vedran Corluka and now FC Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic, winning three successive league titles from 2006 to 2009.
Featuring in UEFA Champions League and Europa League campaigns, Tadic’s form at Zagreb saw him earn international recognition, collecting over 20 caps for Croatia at U/21 level, finding the back of the net on five occasions.
Name: Josip Tadic
D.O.B: 22/08/1987
Position: Striker
Notable Previous Clubs: NK Osijek (Croatia), Bayer Leverkusen (Germany), Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia), Arminia Bielefeld (Germany)
Honours: Three-time Croatian Champion, Croatian U/21 internationa
