Večernjak bira Vaterpolista godine (II)

Continuing the presentation of some of the favorites for this year's prestigious title of Water Polo Player of the Year, which is traditionally selected and awarded by the newspaper "Večernji list" from Zagreb, today we have decided to focus on a player whose legacy stands at 2 meters. There reigns a royal...

Josip Vrlić

Rijeka's giant, The Rock from Kvarner... are just a few of the descriptions that Croatian media often attribute to Josip Vrlić. Undoubtedly one of the greatest Croatian centers who dignifies the 'anchoring lineage' of our water polo, which includes, from our independent homeland, among others, the late Renato Vrbičić, Igor Hinić, Mile Smodlaka, Nikša Dobud, and ultimately the still active Luka Lončar, Ivan Krapić...

Josip Vrlić has been considered one of the top three centers in the world for years. Ask Felipe Perrone, and he will tell you without hesitation that the best is only one – Josip Vrlić. Circumstances led Josip not to be with the 'Barracudas' for long. He was still playing for Brazil at the Rio Olympics before coach Tucak called him to join the Croatian team under the national flag, and Josip did not hesitate at all. He won his first trophy with Croatia in 2018, right in his hometown Rijeka (gold at the Europa Cup), and so far, with the team, he has won 9 medals over 7 years. He has been a world and European champion and Olympic finalist, achieving most of this just this year.

This year, in winning the world gold in Doha, as well as European silver in Dubrovnik/Zagreb, and Olympic silver in Paris, he was one of the key players in Tuck's lineup. Powerful yet agile, he is the type of center who holds his position excellently, providing depth to every team, including Croatia. At least half, if not more, of all exclusions are usually made against him by opponents. With Josip, Croatia earns man-up attacks. Vrlić, like almost every center, is a player who 'takes the most beatings', constantly wrestling and grappling with strong rival defenders, but he does everything for Croatia with pleasure.

Let's not forget that in 2024, Vrlić was also one of the most significant players in 'Jadran's' defense of the national title.

International Trophies:

- Olympic Games in Paris 2024 - silver

- World Championship in Doha 2024 - gold

- World Championship in Gwangju 2019 - bronze

- European Championship in Split 2022 - gold

- European Championship in Dubrovnik and Zagreb 2024 - silver

- European Championship in Barcelona 2018 - bronze

- World League in Belgrade 2019 - silver

- Europa Cup in Rijeka 2018 - gold

- Europa Cup in Zagreb 2019 - silver