Why all the fuss over Vuskovic?

[Getty Images] The World Cup and some Brighton interest as focused a lot of talk on Tottenham's Luka Vuskovic. Still only 19, the central defender caught the eye on loan at Hamburg last season and Brighton have already made an offer for him this summer as they look to fill the void left by Jan Paul van Hecke. Vuskovic drew praise in some quarters for his play in Croatia's World Cup defeat by England on Wednesday, while others were critical of his defending when Jude Bellingham raced in on goal to give the Three Lions a 3-2 lead. Last season, Vuskovic helped Hamburg finish 13th in the Bundesliga. He was shortlisted for the Bundesliga player of the season and rookie of the season awards, as voted for by fans, clubs and selected media. There was much fanfare given he was one of only five players in Germany's top flight in 2025-26 to register a century each of clearances, ball recoveries, duels won and aerial duels won. His national team manager Zlatko Dalic has said the 6ft 4in central defender "will be one of the pillars of our national team for the next 10 years". A pillar for country perhaps, but amid interest from other clubs and with several Tottenham defenders to compete against, his role at Spurs still seems somewhat uncertain.