One of the best young players in the world, 21-year-old Russian Daniil Merkulov, is the new player of Jug Croatia Osiguranje.
Merkulov played in Jadran Carina from Herceg Novi for the last two seasons. In the final one, the team finished third in the Champions League in their group, with 27 goals scored. Merkulov is a 190-centimeter-high player who plays the left attacking side. He’s an extraordinary shooter and, along with Fatovic and Papanastasiou, will be a great threat to the opposing goalkeepers.
“I’m coming to a great club and I’m really excited to wear Jug’s cap for the next two seasons. I believe in myself and I know that my playing will contribute to winning new trophies for the club,” said Merkulov, who is currently on a vacation in Russia.
Even though he had many offers which were financially more fitting, Daniil picked Jug. To this fact, he replied:
“As I have already stated, Jug is a great club with a long tradition and a great coach. I believe that I will make an extra step in my career while in Dubrovnik.”
Vjekoslav Kobescak, Jug’s coach, commented:
“We are talking about a young player who is already an important name in the world of water polo. I know he had plenty of offers on the table, but he chose us and that made me happy. Daniil is a player who will certainly thrive, and that will make Jug even better.”
Merkulov signed a contract valid until 2020. We can expect to see him in Dubrovnik at the beginning of September when the preparations for the new season begin.
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