The Euros is approaching, but despite the world elite gathering in Germany, there are several profiles missing.
Blaz Janc, Slovenia
The Barcelona player was included in the initial squad, but a back injury puts an end to one of Slovenia’s biggest stars. Possesses a speed that few (if any) can match and is also an important symbol for the next generation of Slovenian handball profiles. Uros Zorman can, however, use Veszprém’s Gasper Marguc at the right wing – but the question is how noticeable Janc’s absence will be in the counterattack.
Vincent Gérard, France
I have had difficulty seeing the real greatness of Vincent Gérárd for a long time – but the height is there. Now, however, it is clear that the intended first choice is forced to sit out the EC due to an injury. Charles Bolzinger is an exceptional talent, but we all know that it can be a tough task to take over as the main man between the sticks. The goalkeeper question will be incredibly important if France want to fight for the medals.
Kay Smits, Netherlands
A blow that hits hard is Kay Smits who is out indefinitely due to myocarditis. An incredibly hard blow for Staffan Olsson’s Netherlands, who lost one of their best players with three weeks left until the premiere. The Netherlands still have exciting players – such as Luc Steins and Dani Baijens – but the question is whether Smit’s absence will make this a tough Dutch Championship.
Domen Makuc, Slovenia
This was the season that the Slovenian would take that big step after standing behind Luka Cindric in Barcelona. But the season barely had time to start before Makuc suffered a cruciate ligament injury, which thus also keeps him out of the Euros. Now Slovenia is strongly manned in the playmaker position, but Makuc offers something different from Bombac and the gang – shooting, breakthroughs and speed in a package is a recipe for a watchable and effective player. But now we have to wait to see Makuc take that last step towards the top of the world.
Rodrigo Corrales, Spain
Of course, Spain has goalkeepers of the highest quality. But Rodrigo Corrales and Gonzalo Perez de Vargas have formed one of the world’s best goalkeeper pairs during several championships, but now a back injury is stopping the Veszprém goalkeeper. In comes Magdeburg’s Sergiy Hernández and of course he is also a good goalkeeper, but he is no Rodrigo Corrales.
