Slovenian defender Vanja Drkušić made his official debut for RCD Espanyol in their LaLiga match against Real Madrid this weekend. According to the Slovenian outlet Dnevnik, the 26-year-old came on in the second half of the 1-2 defeat at the Estadi Cornellà-El Prat.
Drkušić entered the pitch in the 66th minute, replacing Omar El Hilali. In his 24 minutes of action, the FootMob app gave him a rating of 6.4, slightly above the team's average of 6.3. He arrived in Barcelona on a season-long loan from Zenit Saint Petersburg, the club he is contracted to until 2029.
How did Drkušić join Espanyol?
The centre-back's move was finalized in the closing days of the summer transfer window. Drkušić landed in Barcelona just two days before the first league match against Levante, where he was already on the bench. Zenit, with whom he won the Russian league title in the 2025-2026 season, decided to loan him out to gain minutes in one of Europe's most demanding competitions. Last season, the player had an unremarkable spell on loan at Red Star Belgrade.
For RCD Espanyol, this operation strengthens a defence seeking solidity for the challenges of the season. The perico team, currently 14th in the LaLiga standings, has conceded three goals in their first two matches. The full squad, available on our team page, shows a defensive line in a process of adaptation.
What does the Slovenian bring to the defence?
Drkušić is a 1.90-metre tall centre-back, known for his physical power and strong aerial ability. His profile complements the characteristics of other central defenders in the team like Leandro Cabrera or Sergi Gómez. His debut, although brief, came in a high-pressure scenario against a rival of Real Madrid's stature, which represents a valuable baptism of fire for his adaptation.
The coaching staff led by Luis García must now decide how to integrate him into the defensive setup. With several important matches ahead, which you can check on the fixtures calendar, depth in the heart of defence will be a significant factor. The Slovenian is competing for a place in a sector that combines experience and youth.
What is the next step for the player?
After his first appearance, the immediate goal for Vanja Drkušić is to gain confidence and fight for more playing time. His loan does not include a purchase option, so his long-term future remains tied to Zenit. However, a good season in LaLiga could open doors for a permanent stay in Spanish football or a more prominent role upon his return to Russia.
Espanyol's next fixture will be an opportunity for the defender to consolidate his presence. The team needs points to climb the table, and having all their defensive pieces at 100% will be key to achieving that. Individual player data, including minutes and performance, is constantly updated in our stats section.
