Career Overview:

1. Early Career and Development (1998–2017)

• 2017–2019: Jakupović’s time at FC Liefering helped him to adapt to senior football. During this time, he was involved in numerous 2. Liga matches, where he worked on his goal-scoring instincts and developing a better understanding of professional football. His performances caught the attention of higher-tier teams, and he started to establish himself as a promising young forward in Austrian football.

• 2019–2021: Jakupović spent two seasons at SV Mattersburg, where he played regularly as a forward. He contributed to the team both in terms of goals and assists, and his performances in the Bundesliga further established him as an emerging talent in Austrian football.

• 2021–Present: Jakupović has established himself as a key figure in Osijek’s attack, making regular appearances in the Prva HNL (Croatian Football League). His blend of speed, technical ability, and finishing has made him a valuable asset to the team, and he has contributed to Osijek’s competitive standing in the league.

• Achievements at Osijek:

  • Croatian Football League appearances.

  • Participation in UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers and group stages.

  • Helping Osijek remain competitive in domestic and international competitions.

Austria National Team

While Jakupović has not yet been a regular for the Austria national team, his performances at club level could make him a potential candidate for future national team call-ups, especially with the growing demand for new attacking talents to complement Austria’s established forwards.

Playing Style:

Arnel Jakupović is an attacking player with the qualities typically needed for a forward in modern football. Here’s a breakdown of his key attributes:

• Jakupović is known for his pace and agility, which allows him to be a constant threat on the counter-attack. His ability to beat defenders in 1v1 situations and get behind opposition defenses makes him a dangerous asset in wide and central attacking roles.

• As a forward, Jakupović has good technical skills, including dribbling and ball control. His ability to maneuver in tight spaces and maintain possession under pressure allows him to link up play effectively and create goal-scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

• Jakupović has demonstrated the ability to finish chances both inside and outside the box. His composure in front of goal makes him a reliable source of goals. He has a good sense of positioning, often finding space in dangerous areas to capitalize on crosses and through balls.

• Jakupović is a versatile forward capable of playing in different attacking positions. He can operate as a central striker, second striker, or as a winger, allowing him to adapt to various tactical systems and formations.

• Jakupović is effective in his movement off the ball, regularly making runs to stretch the opposition and create space for others. His intelligence in the final third allows him to get into dangerous areas and make himself available for crosses or passes.

Achievements:

• Development in the Austrian 2. Liga, preparing for top-flight football.

• Gaining experience and building confidence as a forward.

• Austrian Bundesliga appearances, contributing to the team’s attack with goals and assists.

• Croatian Football League appearances, helping the club remain competitive domestically.

• Participation in UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers, furthering his experience in European competitions.

Austria National Team:

• As a young forward, Jakupović may have future potential to play for the Austria national team.