Mateo Kocijan recently joined Persib Bandung and became the fifth Croatian player to play in the Indonesian Liga 1. Before his arrival, there were four other Croatian players who have made their mark in the league. However, the fortunes of these players have varied greatly, with two of them finding success at Persija Jakarta while the other two struggled to make a similar impact.
One of the most successful Croatian players in the Liga 1 is Marko Simic, who played for Persija Jakarta from 2017 to 2019. Simic was a key player for Persija during his time at the club, scoring crucial goals and helping the team win the Liga 1 title in 2018. His performances earned him a cult following among Persija fans and cemented his status as one of the best foreign players in the league.
Another Croatian player who found success at Persija Jakarta is Mario Simic, who played for the club from 2017 to 2018. Simic was a reliable defender for Persija and played a key role in the team’s title-winning campaign in 2018. His solid performances at the back helped Persija maintain a strong defensive record and contributed to the team’s success in the league.
On the other hand, two other Croatian players, Robertino Pugliara and Ivan Kelava, did not have the same level of success in the Liga 1. Pugliara played for Arema FC in 2019 but struggled to make an impact at the club, failing to establish himself as a regular starter. Kelava, on the other hand, played for Persela Lamongan in 2018 but also failed to make a significant impact during his time at the club.
Now, Mateo Kocijan has the opportunity to make his mark in the Indonesian Liga 1 with Persib Bandung. The midfielder will be looking to follow in the footsteps of his compatriots and make a positive impact at his new club. With his experience and talent, Kocijan has the potential to become a key player for Persib and help the team achieve success in the league.
In conclusion, the Croatian players who have played in the Indonesian Liga 1 have had varying levels of success. While some, like Marko Simic and Mario Simic, have thrived and become fan favorites at their respective clubs, others have struggled to make an impact. Mateo Kocijan will be hoping to emulate the success of his compatriots and make a name for himself in the league with Persib Bandung. Only time will tell if he can rise to the challenge and leave his own mark on Indonesian football.
