Player Focus: Vitesse Engine Vejinović Pushing for International Call

History, as Joe Esposito once sang, repeats itself. Guus Hiddink's opening four games in charge of the Oranje – after succeeding Dick Advocaat in 1995 – yielded one win and three defeats (including away to the Czech Republic). Talk about déjà vu. Results aside, a new era – for those harbouring international ambitions – should theoretically be uplifting, and even more so given that the well-travelled Dutchman has made it abundantly clear that tabs will be kept on individuals regularly performing well. One player hoping to make a way onto his radar is Marko Vejinović.

Don't be fooled by the number seven on his back, this is no flashy winger, but a multi-functional central midfielder. A threat in the opposition half as well as a presence in his own, you'd be hard-pressed to find one currently playing better in the division. He's is in the form of his life, only wide-men Memphis Depay (8.01) and Lasse Schöne (7.94) possess a better WhoScored.com rating than the architect of "FC Hollywood on the Rhine" (7.87), but they haven't started every game like Vejinović (Memphis missing 4 out of 11 games so far, Schöne just 2).

Much is expected from those donning black-and-yellow – with the eyes of the world now constantly on them – and Vejinović has stood up. The last year has seen him not just develop into a calming presence in the middle of the pitch, taking over the reins from club icon and cult hero Theo Janssen, but also become their fulcrum: everything positive about their play goes through the 24-year-old. It's no accident, either. A strong sense of belief in him and seen him become a leader. By grabbing the brass ring he's become an imposing figure as well as starting to fulfil his potential; and better late than never.

Born and raised in Amsterdam, for as long as he could remember big things have been expected of him, though it never quite happened at Ajax – whose youth academy he joined from local side A.V.V. Zeeburgia – or FC Utrecht. For a while it seemed AZ, where he settled and made his professional debut as a classic 'number 10' under Louis van Gaal in 2009, was the right club. However that wasn't to be either, and after three appearances across two seasons he upped and left for Heracles Almelo. It was there that Peter Bosz entered his life. 

Due to Vejinović’s technical ability and footballing brain Bosz took an immediate shine to the player, striking up an instant connection. Subsequently, he became the embodiment of his manager on the pitch so it was no surprise to see the bespectacled coach make the Amsterdammer his inaugural signing when he joined Vitesse last summer.

A commitment to "daring football" doesn't always work out, but it is nonetheless a positive attitude to have. The last few weeks have seen a turning point in Vitesse’s results; six games unbeaten before Sunday's loss away to FC Utrecht, taking 14 points from the last available 21 after starting the season with a draw and three losses. No one in the past five rounds of matches has outscored them (20 goals), however looking at the wider picture, with nearly a third of the season completed, they're ranked first when it comes to shots per game (18.5), short passes (455) and average possession (58.1%). 

It's taken a while but in their streamlined 4-3-3 the club from Arnhem are displaying graft and energy combined with subtlety and finesse, which Bosz consistently demands from his players. Their midfield triumvirate – which includes Kelvin Leerdam (converted from right-back) and 'number 10'/poster boy Davy Pröpper – might not be as suave as FC Twente's but it equally demands the utmost respect. At the heart is Vejinović. He's a midfielder who builds and launches attacks, rather than simply winning the ball back, differentiating himself by preferring to play forwards. Metronomic, he averages 59.4 passes per game. 

Continuously in motion, with each passing week he continues to demonstrate what an intelligent footballer he is, evidenced in the ease with which he moves between attack (6 goals and 3 assists from 2.5 shots and 2 key passes per game) and defence (3.1 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game), but what has really impressed observers is his engine, which enables him to cover ground quickly (completing 1.5 dribbles per game). 

His capacity to play in multiple roles across the midfield line has made him indispensable. His energy and athleticism compliments his razor sharp brain which allows him to play between the lines, while his is a tenacious, imposing character, standing at 6ft 1. Highly competitive, Leerdam calls him "stubborn". He's an individual who doesn't like the bitter taste of defeat and incessantly strives to be the best he can, with limitations of course. Although he is committing 2.4 fouls per game and has received two yellow cards to date, fair play is at the centre of his moral code.

The next step on his journey is surely a step up to international football. His misfortune, at the moment, is there's no vacancy in the Dutch squad, which is testament to their strength in depth. That's not to say, however, that the dream cannot one day be realised, especially after Hiddink alluded to running a meritocracy. 

Whatever the future holds, the signs are pointing towards one that is bright and prosperous. Vejinović – who is also eligible to represent Serbia – can only continue to do what he is doing so well. The rest, as history has shown, will take care of itself.

How highly do you rate Vejinović? Should he be getting a call up to the international squad? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below