Ivan Canjuga, the 20-year-old midfielder for NK Varaždin, has started the season with three goals and four assists in seven matches played. In an exclusive interview with Index.hr Sport, the young international revealed his family supports Hajduk Split, while he remains loyal to Varaždin, the club leading the HNL table after five rounds.

How Canjuga became a key player for Varaždin

Ivan Canjuga has played all seven official matches for NK Varaždin this season from the first to the last minute. With three goals scored and four assists provided, he has become one of the team's most important players. He scored twice against Slaven Belupo, once against Rudeš, and also assisted against Hajduk and Dinamo in the league. In the first European match against Jablonec, he recorded two assists. "I didn't really think I would start the season so well," Canjuga told Index.hr. "It was important to me that the team result was as good as possible, but I'm glad it opened up for me."

His return to Varaždin less than eight months ago has proven decisive for his career. After leaving Lokomotiva at the start of the year due to lack of playing time, Canjuga returned to his natural position in midfield. In three senior seasons at Kajzerica, he accumulated only 778 minutes, while for Varaždin in seven matches this season he has already played 630 minutes. He felt he deserved more opportunities at Lokomotiva, where he often played on the wing.

What influence Mario Kovačević had on his development

Mario Kovačević gave Ivan Canjuga his senior debut for NK Varaždin at just 16 years old in a match against Dubrava. "The trust Kovačević showed in me meant a lot to me as a sixteen-year-old," Canjuga stated. That trust is now paying off for coach Samir Toplak and the entire team with outstanding performances. Davor Matić recently highlighted Canjuga as a young player with the potential to reach Dinamo's standard level.

The positive atmosphere in the dressing room also helps his performance. Canjuga is a member of the Croatia U-21 national team, which is preparing for the Euro 2027 qualifiers. Off the pitch, his life hasn't changed significantly despite increased attention. He continues to work on himself, listen to the coaches, and enjoy football. He enjoys watching La Liga and Barcelona.

Will Canjuga reunite with Marin Šotiček

Ivan Canjuga talks with Marin Šotiček every day. They were roommates and played together in Lokomotiva's youth team. "I would like to play again with Šotiček," Canjuga admitted, "but I don't know where that could be." As a ten-year-old, he had a trial with Hajduk, but doesn't remember the details of that experience. Interestingly, Varaždin defeated Hajduk 2:1 this season, with Canjuga assisting one of the goals.

"My family at home loves watching Hajduk, and my mom doesn't mind," said Canjuga. "The only thing that matters to her is that I am healthy and happy. And me? I support Varaždin." This family division of fan sympathies doesn't bother him, and his performances show he is completely focused on his team's success. NK Varaždin is currently top of the HNL standings, and Canjuga was nominated for Player of the Month.

What's next for NK Varaždin and Canjuga

NK Varaždin continues preparations for its next match. The team will face HNK Gorica away on September 12, 2026, which you can follow on our fixtures page. Canjuga will certainly be a key part of the lineup for that encounter. His current statistics of three goals and four assists in seven matches make him one of the league's most productive players. You can view the entire squad on the squad page. Ivan Canjuga has played 630 minutes for Varaždin this season.