Žan Benedičič

Žan Benedičič
Personal information
Full nameŽan Benedičič[1]
Date of birth3 October 1995
Place of birthKranj, Slovenia
Height1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Playing positionAttacking midfielder
Club information
Current team
Leeds United
(on loan from Milan)
Number31
Youth career
Triglav Kranj
2011–2013Milan
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps†(Gls)†
2013–Milan0(0)
2014–→ Leeds United (loan)1(0)
National team‡
2012Slovenia U172(1)
2013Slovenia U185(1)
2013–Slovenia U216(1)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 12 August 2014.

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 3 September 2014

Žan Benedičič (born 3 October 1995) is a Slovenian footballer playing for English Championship club Leeds United on loan from Serie A side Milan. He plays as an attacking midfielder. He also represents the Slovenia national under-21 football team.

Club career

Milan

After progressing through the youth ranks at Milan, Benedičič broke into the Milan Primavera side. For the Primavera side for the 2013–14 season, Benedičič made 35 appearances in all competitions scoring 6 goals.

During the 2014–15 pre-season, he was called up to the Milan senior team for the tour of the USA by new Milan manager and his former youth coach Filippo Inzaghi,[2] but on 29 July 2014, he flew home from the tour, strengthening speculation that he was preparing to sign on loan for Leeds United.[3][4] On 30 July his agent Amir Ružnić confirmed Benedičič was close to a move to Leeds.[5]

Loan to Leeds United

On 4 August 2014, it was confirmed that he had signed for Leeds United on a one-year loan deal, with the option for Leeds to buy at the end of the loan. Leeds head coach David Hockaday described Benedičič as "a versatile, strong and technical midfield player".[6] He made his début for Leeds on 12 August when he came on as a substitute in the 63rd minute in a League Cup game against Accrington Stanley.[7] Benedičič made his league début for Leeds United on 30 August in a 1-0 victory against Bolton Wanderers at Elland Road.[8]

Shortly after making his debut, Benedičič picked up a knee injury with would rule him out for the season after he required knee surgery.[9]

International career

In 2013, Benedičič was capped by the Slovenia national under-21 football team, making his début on 6 June, against Russia's Under 21's. He scored his first goal on 19 November when he scored a goal in Slovenia U21's 5–1 victory against Bulgaria.

Career statistics

As of 30 August 2014
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Leeds United (loan) 2014–15 Championship 1000100020
Career total 1000100020

References

  1. ↑ "Professional retain lists & free transfers 2012/13" (PDF). The Football League. May 2013. p. 18. Retrieved 12 August 2014.
  2. ↑ Colm Mulcahy (22 July 2014). "AC Milan Announce Squad for US Tour". Forza Italian Football. Retrieved 12 August 2014.
  3. ↑ Phil Hay (29 July 2014). "Leeds United: Whites look set to complete Benedicic loan". Yorkshire Evening Post. Retrieved 12 August 2014.
  4. ↑ Pete O'Rourke (27 July 2014). "Transfer news: Leeds close in on AC Milan youngster Zan Benedicic". Sky Sports. Retrieved 12 August 2014.
  5. ↑ "AC Milan youngster Zan Benedicic confirms Leeds United switch is close". Sky Sports. 30 July 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  6. ↑ "Benedicic Signs Up For Season". Leeds United F.C. 4 August 2014. Retrieved 12 August 2014.
  7. ↑ "Leeds United v Accrington Stanley". BBC Sport. Retrieved 12 August 2014.
  8. ↑ "Leeds Vs Bolton Wanderers". Leeds United Official Site. 30 August 2014. Retrieved 30 August 2014.
  9. ↑ "Benedicic likely to be out until the new year after knee surgery". Yorkshire Evening Post. 20 November 2014. Retrieved 20 November 2014.

External links