Drkusic joins Espanyol: "I'm an aggressive defender"

Espanyol has already heard from Vanja Drkusic, the Slovenian centre-back who became the club's fifth signing of the season on Friday. On loan from Zenit until June with an option to buy, the 26-year-old defender has made clear from the outset what his profile is: aggressive and decisive in one-on-one situations.

How Drkusic plays

In his first comments to the club, Drkusic revealed a curiosity that will stay with him in these early days: the pronunciation of his name. "My name is pronounced 'Vánia Dérkusich' but even in Slovenia people have problems pronouncing it. I'll understand if people get it wrong, but I'll try to do my best on the pitch so they can remember how to say it," he explained with a light touch.

On his defensive style, he was straightforward: "I'm an aggressive defender, I like to go into duels, make defensive blocks and do those kinds of things, but on the other hand I also like to play with the ball, make good passes." An arrival that comes after a last-minute twist—according to Mundo Deportivo, Drkusic was very close to sealing a deal with Greek side PAOK—to strengthen the centre-back line under Monchi's direction.

The Slovenian had praise for the Espanyol supporters, whom he considers "the 12th player." "I see that the team has a very high level, lots of quality. Espanyol has one of the best fanbases and I think this season they will be our key difference," he said, eager to make his debut at the RCDE Stadium.