Como’s domestic success last season may well come at a cost.
Granted, they have managed to retain Nico Paz’s services. However, when a lesser-known side punches above their weight, football’s big hitters take notice. Como can offer the luxurious backdrop of the lake to convince their star players to remain. Champions League football is also on the table.
And yet, it hasn’t ended talk of potential summer exits. Croatian midfielder Martin Baturina is one of those who has attracted watchful glances across Europe. The Croat’s thundering strike against England at the 2026 World Cup further boosted his profile.
In this article, we’ll cover:
Baturina attracting interest from abroad
Baturina, though, is one whose domestic performances already caught the eye. The 23-year-old made 29 league appearances last season, just 17 of which were from the outset. Even so, Como are keen to retain Baturina’s services. It’s easy to see why.
The Italian side signed Baturina from Dinamo Zagreb last summer. He broke onto the scene in 2021 and amassed 114 league appearances before his 2025 switch to Italy. That is some going for a player who only turned 23 back in February.
Regardless, Baturina looks every bit the seasoned pro despite his tender years. He has drawn comparisons to compatriot Luka Modric, which is hardly a shock. Baturina is comfortable receiving possession in tight spaces. Opponents can pressure the Croatia international to their hearts’ content, but he’s able to work his way out of tight situations.
Press resistance
Indeed, Baturina was dispossessed just 1.7 times per 90 in Serie A last season. For a player of his skillset at his age in his debut campaign in one of Europe’s top leagues, it was a notable haul. This is one of the key reasons why teams have shown an interest in Baturina.
Granted, he’s not the most physically imposing midfielder in world football. Yet Baturina maximises the low centre of gravity to twist his way out of danger. The dynamism to his game has contributed to the youngster’s soaring stock.
It also meant opponents went to great lengths to keep the Como star in check. Baturina was fouled 2.5 times per 90 in Serie A last season, the 20th highest return in the league. This increased to 3.9 times per 90 at the World Cup. Baturina was a marked man. This spoke volumes to his impact in the midfield and the final third.
As dominant sides look to play through the midfield, players of Baturina’s calibre are precious commodities. It’s for that reason Como are hellbent on retaining the midfielder’s services. 30% of Como’s attacks came through the middle of the park, the highest such proportion in the 2025-26 Serie A season.
Able to pry apart defences
With a desire to get the ball to feet, turn and shift possession forward, it’s no wonder Como ranked joint-top for counter-attacking goals (9) in Italy’s top tier last term. This despite Cesc Fabregas’ side dominating last season. They returned the best possession average (61.6%) in the division, yet were able to quickly win the ball back and spring forward at speed.
And Baturina has been hugely influential in prying defences open when they instigate a lightning-quick counter attacking. Only Maxence Caqueret (every 165.2 mins) and Paz (every 169.5 mins) attempted a through ball more frequently than Baturina (every 224.1 mins) for Como in Serie A last season.
Additionally, only Roma’s Paulo Dybala (3.7) created more chances per 90 than Baturina (3.6). Granted, the latter only managed three assists, but that says more about his teammates’ profligacy rather than his chance-creating ability. After all, Baturina created a big chance every 196.1 minutes in Serie A last season. It was the second most for Como.
Effective off the ball
Off the ball, too, he gave as good as he got. 4.93 ball recoveries per 90 ranked third for Como. This work rate has served to further boost his profile. He’ll pick your pocket if you’re not careful.
Able to operate as both a number eight or a number 10, the versatility to his midfield game has helped Baturina shoot to prominence. It’s also why Como are so reluctant to cash in on Baturina unless interested parties slap a monster bid on the table. When a player is dubbed the next Modric, he’s one you want to keep by hook or by crook.
He’s following a similar career path as Modric, who came through the Dinamo Zagreb ranks. Few at the club, though, couldn’t have foreseen such a rise over the last 12 months. It’s hardly a surprise the likes of Tottenham and Bayern Munich are said to be monitoring his progress.