AI selects best all-time Croatia football XI

Luka Modić, Davor Šuker, Mario Mandžukić (Photos Светлана Бекетова/Ludovic Péron/CC BY-SA 3.0/Антон Зайцев/Soccer.ru/CC)

The debate over Croatia’s all-time best football XI is as fierce as it is passionate. 

With a rich footballing history and numerous talented players who have graced the pitch, fans and pundits alike often find themselves at odds when selecting the best all-time Croatian team. 

To bring a fresh perspective to this age-old discussion, we turned asked AI and asked ChatGPT to pick the best lineup. 

Using historical data, player statistics, and expert analyses, they have assembled a team that they consider is the best in Croatia’s 30-plus year history. 

Here’s the AI-selected all-time best Croatia football XI.

All-Time Croatia Football XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper:

Danijel Subašić
A key player in Croatia’s run to the 2018 World Cup final, where he saved a number of penalties, Subašić is known for his shot-stoppingabilities and composure under pressure. 

Danijel Subašić (Photo: Анна Нэсси/soccer.ru/CC BY-SA 3.0)

Defenders:

Dario Šimić (Right Back)
A versatile defender with over 100 caps, Šimić was reliable and consistent throughout his career.

Dario Šimić(Photo credit: Екатерина Лаут/CC BY-SA 3.0)

Robert Kovač (Center Back)
Known for his strong defensive skills and leadership, Kovač was a cornerstone of the Croatian defense.

Robert Kovač (Photo: Helmut S Otto/Public domain)

Dejan Lovren (Center Back)
A tough and passionate defender who played a crucial role in the 2018 World Cup campaign.

Dejan Lovvren (Photo credit: Анна Нэсси/Soccer.ru/CC license)

Robert Jarni (Left Back)
Renowned for his pace and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, Jarni was a key player in the 1998 World Cup team where he scored a memorable goal against Germany in the quarterfinals.

Midfielders:

Luka Modrić (Central Midfield)
The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, Modrić is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation, known for his vision, passing, and leadership.

Luka Modrić (Photo: Светлана Бекетова/www..soccer.ru/CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed | Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International)

Zvonimir Boban (Central Midfield)
A legend of Croatian football, Boban combined skill, vision, and tenacity, playing a pivotal role in Croatia’s 1998 World Cup success.

Zvonimir Boban (Photo credit: Kremlin.ru/CC BY 4.0)

Forwards:

Mario Mandžukić (Right Wing)
A versatile forward, Mandžukić was known for his work rate, physicality, and crucial goals in important matches.

Mario Mandzukic (Photo: Антон Зайцев/Soccer.ru/CC)

Davor Šuker (Striker)
Croatia’s all-time top scorer and the Golden Boot winner at the 1998 World Cup, Šuker is remembered for his clinical finishing and goal-scoring prowess.

Davor Šuker (Photo credit: Ludovic Péron/CC BY-SA 3.0/)

Alen Bokšić (Left Wing)
A talented forward with excellent dribbling and scoring abilities, Bokšić was a vital player for both club and country.

Striker:

Ivica Olić (Striker)
Known for his relentless work ethic and ability to score important goals, Olić was a key player in several major tournaments for Croatia.

Ivica Olić (Photo credit: Антон Зайцев – https://www.soccer.ru/CC BY-SA 3.0)

Bench:

Stipe Pletikosa (Goalkeeper)

Vedran Ćorluka (Defender)

Josip Šimunić (Defender)

Ivan Rakitić (Midfielder)

Robert Prosinečki (Midfielder)

Ivan Perišić (Winger)

Eduardo da Silva (Forward)

“This lineup blends the legendary players of the 1998 World Cup squad with the stars of the 2018 World Cup, creating a formidable team capable of competing with the best in the world,” AI concluded.