Veljko Ilić- Fk TSC Baka Scout report

 


Veljko Ilić- Next Hidden Gem coming out of the Balkans


Date of birth: 21 July 2003

Country: Serbia

Position: Goalkeeper

Height: 195cm

Preferred foot: Right


A goalkeeper over 6ft is always a winner in the modern age and 6ft 3 Veljko Ilić ticks all the boxes. The big man was signed from big name club Crvena Zvezda's under 19 youth ranks and instantly became TSC Baka's number 1. The club have had a bit of a rise in recent years, being promoted to the Serbian Superliga for the first time in 2020 and have kept the pace, finishing in the top 3 the past 2 seasons. A bit part of that is their solid defence, conceding the second least amount of goals this season and with Ilić between the sticks it is easy to see why they conceded so few.

Veljko started 32 games this season, keeping an incredible 16 clean sheets but surprisingly only making team of the week 1 time. What is impressive is his save rate, making 77% saves on 2.7 per game. He also has an excellent recovery rate, making 7.0 recoveries per game. Of course in the modern game Goalkeepers need more than just a good save rate to fit in, with the sweeper keeper role being the norm and Ilić is the perfect fit for the modern game. Making 22.7 passes per game at an 80% accuracy rate with the majority of those passes being short, 20.9 at 90% success rate. For comparison, Celtic's Joe Hart who plays as a sweeper keeper made 24.7 passes per game at an 88% rate and kept 14 clean sheets. In fact Veljko has a better save rate compared to Joe Hart 77%-68% despite the fact Veljko has faced almost double the shots with 2.7-1.6 per game. Another thing to like is his ability to claim crosses, rarely being distracted by the opposition player challenging, often claiming the ball at it's highest point. 

Veljko has played in 5 Europa League games this season but more appearances in European competition are a certainty for his career. In 2023 he was nominated for the Golden Boy award showcasing his ability already depite his young age. Due to this as well as his performances he has been linked with moves to Genoa and Feyenoord within the past year. Contracted until 2026, it is worth keeping an eye out if TSC Baka look to cash in on Ilić within the next 12 months or risk letting him walk for free. He hasn't played for the national team yet, currently in the U23 squad, he sadly missed out on a place in the Serbian squad for Euro 2024 which could bring good news to those looking to sign him as Serbia's goalkeepers for the Euro's all play outside of their native country in England, Spain and Italy respectively.

Veljko Ilić has great potential to go with his current ability. Majority of the improvements needed to his game are likely to come from gaining more experience for club and country, especially in European competitions. A lot of shots he has faced have led to more parries than catches which could always be worked on but overall Ilić is a solid keeper that can be many clubs number 1.

Ideal Club:

Comparing him to Joe Hart earlier in the report, I strongly believe Veljko Ilić is the player to replacing the retiring veteran at Glasgow Celtic. Celtic play in a possesion based system, looking to play out from the back and Veljko's passing ability seems to be a match made in heaven. Stevie Woods, Celtic's current goalkeeper coach has a great reputation in developing keepers, with Artur Boruc, Fraser Forster and Hart improving during their time at the club and at 21 years old this summer, Ilić has plenty of time to improve as well as playing in European competitions as well as a similar league to the one he is currently in. Moving to Europe could also provide Veljko more opportunity to play for the Serbian national team, a move to Celtic seems perfect for all parties.

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