Player Profile: Who is Chennaiyin FC’s new signing Petar Sliskovic?

The Croatian was earlier playing with SV Wehen Wiesbaden in Liga 3.

Indian Super League outfit Chennaiyin FC have acquired the services of Bosnian-born Croatian striker Petar Sliskovic ahead of ISL 2022-23. The 31-year-old player is Chennaiyin FC’s fourth foreign addition to the roster. The first three foreign signings were Senegal defender Fallou Diagne, Iranian defender Vafa Hakhamaneshi and Ghanaian striker Kwame Karikari.

The addition of Sliskovic has bolstered the Super Machans’ attacking unit. He is expected to compete alongside Ghanaian striker Kwame Karikari for a place in the starting lineup if coach Thomas Brdaric opts to play with only one striker. 

Prior experience

Petar Sliskovic has represented 12 clubs since his debut for Mainz 05 II in 2010. He has spells will multiple clubs across Germany and one club in Switzerland. Across his career, he has played around 310 matches and has scored 104 goals to date. 

The 31-year-old carries ample experience on his back, having represented 1. FSV Mainz 05 reserve and main team during early days as a professional footballer. He joined the reserve team in 2010 and made his senior team debut a year late in 2011. He severed the club’s reserve senior team till 2015, scoring 55 goals from 88 appearances in total. Later, he signed a 1.5-year deal with Swiss Challenge League club FC Aarau, making his first move outside Germany

Petar joined Mainz 05 II in 2017 on a short loan stint, where he scored six goals from 15 matches. He last represented SV Wehen Wiesbaden in 2022 and made 12 appearances for the club before signing a deal with Chennaiyin FC. The latter side will be his second club outside Germany and overall 13th club. 

Type of player

Sliskovic plays as a center-forward but might be open to playing on the wings as well. He has the pace and agility and will be a threat to the opposition’s defense. Teams will have to be prepared for the challenges they will face upon taking on the player during the upcoming season. 

Petar Sliskovic’s height of 193 cm will help Chennaiyin FC’s cause as they will look to use him inside the box during free-kick and corner conversions. His height will prove to be a key asset for the Super Machans in the 2022-23 ISL season.

The likes of Edwin Sydney Vanspaul, Rafael Crivellaro, and Anirudh Thapa in the midfield will prove as a bonus for Petar as they are known to create plenty of goal-scoring opportunities for Chennaiyin FC.

What does he bring to the team?

Welcoming Sliskovic to the club Chennaiyin FC co-owner Vita Dani said: “Petar Sliskovic is a great addition to our squad. Having played in many different clubs in Germany with some top coaches and players, Sliskovic also has the experience that some of our youngsters can feed off.”

Petar Sliskovic is a goal machine and the player’s goal-scoring ability proves his worth. Despite not having scored a single goal during his recent stint with SV Wehen Wiesbaden, the coach and management will surely put their faith in the player. 

Taking his previous numbers into consideration, he’s a perfect fit in the Chennaiyin FC squad. He adds value to the club. His physical ability will create problems for the opponent’s defenders. These defensive errors will create opportunities for him to find the back of the net.

Petar Sliskovic will also help the youngsters in the squad as he brings a wealth of experience to the Chennai-based franchise. He could end Chennaiyin FC's long wait for their third Indian Super League title.

The striker joins the club with a desire of helping the club succeed and will surely look to prove his mettle during his maiden stint in India. 

For more football updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter, Instagram and join our community on Telegram.