Andrej Kramarić (Croatian pronunciation: [ǎndrej krǎmaritɕ];^[Bednja Kajkavian: Krȕmorič; born 19 June 1991) is a Croatian professional footballer, who plays as a forward or attacking midfielder for Bundesliga club TSG Hoffenheimand the Croatia national team.

Career Path

• Date of Birth: 19 June 1991 in Zabok, Croatia.

• Early Career: Kramarić started his career in the youth ranks of NK Zagorec Krapina before moving to Dinamo Zagreb, Croatia’s top club, where he honed his skills.

• Club Career:

  • Dinamo Zagreb (2009–2013): Kramarić initially played for Dinamo Zagreb, gaining early experience in the Croatian First League.

  • Loan Spells: Kramarić had a few loan spells, including time at Lokomotiva Zagreb, where he gained vital playing time.

  • HNK Rijeka (2013–2015): His standout performances at Rijeka in the Croatian First League helped him gain recognition. He became one of the top goalscorers in the league and earned a move abroad.

  • Leicester City (2015–2016): Kramarić moved to Leicester City in the Premier League, though he didn’t feature much in their title-winning 2015–2016 season.

  • TSG Hoffenheim (2016–present): In 2016, Kramarić joined TSG Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, where he became a key figure in their attack. His performances at Hoffenheim earned him a reputation as one of the most talented attacking players in Germany.

• International Career:

  • Kramarić debuted for the Croatia national team in 2014, and has since become a regular member of the squad, participating in major international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro.

  • He was a significant contributor to Croatia’s 2018 World Cup run, playing an important role in their attack during the tournament.

Playing Style

• Position: Kramarić is a versatile forward who can play as an attacking midfielder, second striker, or even as a central forward. His ability to operate in various attacking roles makes him a valuable asset to any team.

• Strengths:

  • Finishing: Kramarić is known for his clinical finishing ability, whether it’s with his feet or head. He’s a threat in the box and can score from a variety of situations, including long-range shots.

  • Creativity & Vision: He has excellent vision and playmaking skills, capable of threading passes or creating space for teammates. His technical ability allows him to contribute to both the buildup and the final third of attacking play.

  • Dribbling & Movement: Kramarić’s dribbling skills, combined with his movement off the ball, make him dangerous in one-on-one situations. His ability to drift into spaces and find pockets of time to shoot or pass is one of his defining qualities.

  • Set Pieces: Kramarić is also known for his ability with set pieces, particularly free kicks and penalties, making him a threat from dead-ball situations.

Achievements & Recognition

• Domestic Success:

  • At HNK Rijeka, Kramarić was the Croatian First League top scorer and helped the team win the Croatian Cup. His performances in Rijeka caught the attention of European clubs, leading to his move abroad.

  • At TSG Hoffenheim, Kramarić has established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most consistent and prolific forwards. He has helped Hoffenheim secure a place in European competitions and has been their key player in both the Bundesliga and in UEFA Europa League.

• International Career:

  • 2018 FIFA World Cup: Kramarić was part of Croatia’s remarkable World Cup 2018 campaign, where they finished as runners-up. He provided crucial goals and assists in key knockout matches.

  • UEFA Euro 2020: He continued to be an important player for Croatia in Euro 2020, playing in several matches and contributing to the team’s attacking play.

  • Over his career, Kramarić has earned over 50 caps for Croatia, consistently being part of the squad in both competitive and friendly matches.

• Individual Honors:

  • He has been named Bundesliga Player of the Month and earned various team of the week honors in Germany.

  • His sharp goal-scoring record and overall contributions to TSG Hoffenheim have solidified his reputation as one of the Bundesliga’s best forwards.