Tian Nai Koren
Height: —
Youth career: NK Maribor
Current club: NK Maribor
Squad number: —
Current national team: Slovenia U-17
Position: central midfielder, attacking midfielder
Preferred foot: right
Market value (by transfermarkt.de): —
Tournaments participated in: UEFA Youth League 2024/2025 (2/0)
Contract until: unknown
Player’s agent: unknown
Transfer rumours: —
Similar type of player: Mario Götze
Strengths:
– technique 
– ball control
– passing
– vision
– creativity
– flair
– two-footedness
– pace 
– dribbling
– first touch
– agility
– football IQ
To improve:
– physical strength/a lightweight player, who doesn’t feel comfortable in contact situations
– defensive contribution and general efficiency against the ball
– aerial duels
Style of play:
– advanced playmaker
– good agility, body balance, and changes of pace
– possesses good speed at all distances
– excellent technical capacity and comfort on the ball
– fantastic footwork and close control in limited spaces
– likes to play in a free attacking role, orchestrating the play in the final third with creativity and vision
– intelligent player, who constantly finds space between defensive lines, making himself available for passes and contributing to fluid attacking moves
– enjoys using his trickery and exceptional on-the-ball skills, including back-heels, nutmegs, and body feints
– skillful dribbler with a silky touch and high levels of on-the-ball bravery
– plays with natural flair and is a constant threat in and around the box, showcasing his finishing skills and ability to create scoring opportunities with ease
– counter-attacking threat thanks to his speed and movement
– two-footed with right foot being the more dominant one
– decent crossing ability, both from open play and set pieces
Despite heavy pressure, Koren provides an assist with a superb through ball.
Koren loses his marker with a quick feint and scores with a precise shot.
Koren beats his opponent with pace, enters the penalty area, and provides an assist with a superb pass.
Heatmap by Wyscout:
He is best suited to playing as:
Attacking midfielder in 4-2-3-1.
Video:
Achievements:
—
League summary (as of 4 November 2024):
No senior team appearances yet.
Description:
Tian Nai Koren, son of former Slovenian international Robert Koren, is widely regarded as one of Slovenia’s brightest football prospects. His brother, Nal Lan Koren, is also a talented footballer, currently playing in the youth ranks at Mura. Tian Nai is making his mark in the NK Maribor youth system and stands out as the youngest member of Slovenia’s U-17 team. He made his UEFA Youth League debut on 18 September 2024, becoming the second youngest Slovenian player ever to participate in the competition.
Quotes:
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Football Talent Scout potential rating:
8,5/10 
First team material in a top European league.
Links: