Berg’s choice to use Balkovec as a center-back was a smart move, especially in a tough match against HNK Rijeka.
The Slovenian was brought in to strengthen the left side of defense and help in the center as he can play both roles.
Alongside Koulibaly, he showed solid teamwork, good positioning, and clear decision-making. He was active in one-on-one battles, both on the ground and in the air, handling pressure well.
His role was different from Nikola Panayiotou and Berg’s usual style because he didn’t push forward much. He rarely tried to advance or move the ball into the attacking third, which is something we often see from Panayiotou this year.
Overall, Balkovec proved he can be a dependable option in central defense, adding flexibility and depth to the team.
