In the aftermath of Croatia’s victory over England, a number of the Croat stars were singled out for special praise, with the likes of Luka Modric, Dejan Lovren and aforementioned Mandzukic all celebrated by fans and the media alike. However, no player was more effusively lavished in praise than Ivan Perisic, who notched a goal, an assist, hit the post, and just looked a general menace to England’s backline throughout the 2 hours at the Luzhniki Stadium.
One individual who was particularly impressed by the showing of the Inter Milan winger was Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, who of course pushed hard to secure the 29-year-old’s signature last summer.
Speaking in an interview with RT following Croatia’s victory, Mourinho explained why he views Perisic as being ‘different’ to most other wide-men:
‘Perisic is the kind of winger that is different to the others. Normally you look at wingers and they are just fast and creative. But he is also physical, very physical, fantastic in the air.’