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Dragan BlatnyakBosnian and Croatian footballer who plays as a striker.
Date of Birth: 01.08.1981
Country:  Bosnia and Herzegovina |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Move to Croatia
- Success and Transition at Hajduk Split
- Russian Stint at Khimki
- Success as an Assist Provider
- Stint at Rostov
Early Life and Career
Dragan Blatnjak, a Bosnian and Croatian forward, began his football journey relatively late in life. He joined the third-tier club "Jadran" at the age of 14 and spent only one season in the Bosnian Premier League with "Brotnjo".
Move to Croatia
In 2001, Blatnjak relocated to Croatia and played for two seasons with "Zadarkomerc", scoring 12 goals. His impressive performance earned him a move to the renowned Croatian club "Hajduk Split".
Success and Transition at Hajduk Split
During his first two seasons with Hajduk Split, Blatnjak enjoyed considerable success, winning two Croatian Championships and making his debut for the Bosnian national team. However, the arrival of coach Zoran Vulic saw Blatnjak shifted to a midfield position, resulting in a decline in his goal tally to just 5 in the last year and a half.
Russian Stint at Khimki
In 2007, Blatnjak signed a two-year contract with the Russian club "Khimki". Despite initially being signed as a striker, he primarily played as a right-sided midfielder, scoring only two goals during the season. However, his contract was extended by three years in January 2009.
Success as an Assist Provider
In the first half of the 2009 Russian Premier League season, Blatnjak emerged as one of the league's top assist providers with 10 assists. He joined "FC Moskva" as a free agent in January 2010, but the club's withdrawal from the league forced him to seek a new opportunity.
Stint at Rostov
Blatnjak arrived in Rostov-on-Don in February 2010 and agreed to join the club "Rostov". He spent the remainder of his career there, playing as a forward.
