Slovenia National Team for Euro 2024: Squad and Expectations

The Slovenia National Team, under the guidance of Matjaž Kek, is gearing up for Euro 2024 with a determined squad ready to make an impact. Known for their disciplined and cohesive style of play, Slovenia aims to surprise many in this tournament held in Germany.

Squad Overview

Slovenia’s squad combines experienced internationals with promising young talents. The team is captained by the world-class goalkeeper Jan Oblak, whose leadership and goalkeeping prowess are critical to Slovenia’s defensive setup.

Goalkeepers

• Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)
• Vid Belec (APOEL Nicosia)
• Matevž Vidovšek (Olimpija Ljubljana)
• Igor Vekic (Vejle)

Defenders

• Jaka Bijol (Udinese)
• Miha Blazic (Lech Poznan)
• Jure Balkovec (Alanyaspor)
• Zan Karnicnik (Celje)
• David Brekalo (Orlando City)
• Erik Janza (Gornik Zabrze)
• Vanja Drkusic (Sochi)
• Zan Zaletel (Viborg)

Midfielders

• Timi Max Elsnik (Olimpija Ljubljana)
• Jasmin Kurtic (Sudtirol)
• Petar Stojanovic (Sampdoria)
• Benjamin Verbic (Panathinaikos)
• Miha Zajc (Fenerbahce)
• Sandi Lovric (Udinese)
• Adam Gnezda Cerin (Panathinaikos)
• Jon Gorenc Stankovic (Sturm Graz)
• Timi Max Elšnik (Olimpija Ljubljana)
• Tomi Horvat (Sturm Graz)
• Adrian Zeljkovic (Spartak Trnava)
• Nino Zugelj (Bodo/Glimt)

Forwards

• Josip Ilicic (Maribor)
• Andraz Sporar (Panathinaikos)
• Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig)
• Luka Zahovic (Pognon Szczecin)
• Zan Celar (Lugano)
• Jan Mlakar (Pisa)
• Zan Viptonik (Bordeaux)

Key Players

Jan Oblak

Oblak, one of the best goalkeepers in the world, is crucial to Slovenia’s defensive strategy. His shot-stopping ability and command of the penalty area provide a solid foundation for the team.

Josip Ilicic

The Maribor forward is known for his creativity and goal-scoring prowess. Ilicic’s ability to create chances and score from distance makes him a key asset for Slovenia.

Benjamin Sesko

The young striker from RB Leipzig brings energy and goal-scoring ability to the team. Sesko’s physical presence and finishing skills are expected to play a significant role in Slovenia’s attacking plans.

Possible Tactics

Slovenia is likely to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on a solid defensive base with two holding midfielders protecting the back line. This setup allows them to absorb pressure and counter-attack effectively.

Jan Oblak’s role as a sweeper-keeper will be pivotal, enabling the defenders to play a higher line when needed. In midfield, Jasmin Kurtic and Miha Zajc are expected to provide stability and link the defense with the attack.

Going forward, Slovenia will rely on the creativity of Josip Ilicic and the pace of Benjamin Sesko. The wide players, Benjamin Verbic and Domen Crnigoj, will be crucial in stretching the opposition’s defense and providing crosses for the central striker.

Managerial Prowess

Matjaž Kek, who has been in charge since 2018, has instilled a disciplined and well-organized approach in the Slovenia National Team. His tactical flexibility and ability to motivate the squad have been key to their recent successes.

Expectations and Prospects

Slovenia faces a challenging group in Euro 2024, including matches against England, Denmark, and Serbia. Their campaign begins on June 16 against Denmark. Despite the tough competition, Slovenia’s cohesive team play and strong defense give them a fighting chance to progress beyond the group stage.

With key players like Jan Oblak and Josip Ilicic in form, and a solid tactical plan under Matjaž Kek, Slovenia could be one of the dark horses in Euro 2024.