Martin Baturina: Complete Como 1907 Player Profile
Career, statistics, playing style and the role of the Croatian attacking midfielder in Cesc Fàbregas’s Como project.
Martin Baturina is a Croatian international attacking midfielder who joined Como 1907 from Dinamo Zagreb in the summer of 2025, signing a contract until 30 June 2030.
Born in Zurich and raised in Croatia, Baturina developed into one of the country’s most highly rated creative players at Dinamo Zagreb. His close control, vision, passing between the lines and ability to operate in tight spaces made him a natural fit for Cesc Fàbregas’s technical and possession-oriented Como side.
Baturina can play as a number 10, central midfielder or left-sided attacking midfielder. He wears Como’s number 20 shirt and also represents the senior Croatia national team.
7 important facts about Martin Baturina
- Born in Zurich Baturina was born in Switzerland on 16 February 2003.
- Croatia international He progressed through Croatia’s youth teams before reaching the senior national side.
- Dinamo Zagreb graduate He developed into a first-team playmaker after joining Dinamo’s academy in 2017.
- European experience He played in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League with Dinamo.
- Joined Como in 2025 He signed a five-year contract running until June 2030.
- Serie A Rising Star He received the league’s Rising Star of the Month award in January 2026.
- Como number 20 Baturina wears the number 20 shirt for the BiancoBlu.
Quick facts
Who is Martin Baturina?
Martin Baturina is a Croatian creative midfielder born in Zurich while his father, former professional footballer Mate Baturina, was playing in Switzerland. He was raised in Split before moving to Zagreb during his teenage years.
His football education included periods with Hajduk Split and RNK Split before he joined the Dinamo Zagreb academy in 2017. Dinamo provided the platform for his development from a technically gifted prospect into a senior international and experienced European player.
Baturina comes from a footballing family. His father played professionally, while his brothers Roko and Marin also pursued careers in the game. Roko Baturina plays as a forward.
“Be yourself, do not be afraid of anything and play the way you know how.”
Martin Baturina on his advice to young footballersClub career
Youth development in Split and Zagreb
Baturina spent his formative years in the youth systems of Hajduk Split and RNK Split. In 2017, at the age of 14, he moved to Dinamo Zagreb, the club at which his technical qualities and tactical understanding were developed at elite academy level.
Dinamo Zagreb II
He made his debut for Dinamo Zagreb II in February 2021. The reserve-team experience introduced him to senior football and prepared him for a rapid transition into the first team.
First-team breakthrough
Baturina made his Dinamo Zagreb first-team debut on 16 May 2021 in a 3-0 victory over Gorica. His Croatian Cup debut followed in September, while his first European appearance came in a 3-0 Europa League victory over Genk.
He scored his first senior goal for Dinamo in March 2022 against Šibenik. On the final day of the 2021/22 league season, he contributed a goal and an assist in a 3-1 victory over Hajduk Split.
Champions League experience
On 6 September 2022, Baturina made his Champions League debut as Dinamo defeated Chelsea 1-0 in Zagreb. His ability to receive between the lines, combine in congested areas and progress the ball made him an increasingly important part of the team.
Domestic success
Baturina helped Dinamo win consecutive Croatian league titles in 2021/22 and 2022/23. He also won two Croatian Super Cups and scored the decisive goal against Hajduk Split in the 2023 edition.
Across his Dinamo senior league career, he recorded 114 appearances and 17 goals. His development also included extensive experience in UEFA competitions.
Martin Baturina at Como 1907
Transfer from Dinamo Zagreb
Como announced Baturina’s arrival from Dinamo Zagreb in June 2025. The Croatian midfielder signed a five-year contract, formally joining the squad for the 2025/26 season with an agreement running until 30 June 2030.
The move represented a major step in his career. It took him from Croatia’s most successful club to Serie A and placed him inside an ambitious project based on young talent, positional football and technical development.
Why Baturina chose Como
Baturina already followed Serie A and was familiar with Como before the transfer. A direct conversation with Cesc Fàbregas, in which the coach explained the club’s plans and ambitions, helped convince him to join.
“The coach called me and shared the plans for the future. I liked them very much.”
Martin Baturina on choosing ComoRelationship with Ivan Smolčić
Baturina arrived at a club that already included fellow Croatian Ivan Smolčić. The pair had previously been rivals in their domestic league and had also played together for Croatia at Under-21 level.
Having a compatriot in the squad helped Baturina adapt to a new country and league, while their previous familiarity provided a useful connection inside the group.
First Como goal
Baturina scored his first goal for Como on 24 November 2025 during a 5-1 away victory over Torino. The performance offered an early demonstration of his ability to contribute inside and around the penalty area.
Growth during his first season
During his first campaign in Italy, Baturina improved his understanding of Serie A’s tactical demands while becoming increasingly influential in possession. He contributed six goals in 29 league appearances and added two goals in the Coppa Italia.
His development was recognised when he received the Serie A Rising Star of the Month award for January 2026.
Champions League impact
Baturina’s European experience remained valuable as Como entered the Champions League. He scored in the 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig on 10 September 2026, producing a historic contribution during the club’s European campaign.
Strong start to 2026/27
The supplied 2026/27 league figures record ten Serie A appearances, three goals and one assist. Those numbers show a player becoming more decisive after his initial adaptation to Italian football.
International career with Croatia
Progress through the youth teams
Baturina represented Croatia at Under-15, Under-16, Under-18, Under-19 and Under-21 level. He collected 14 appearances and scored twice for the Under-21 side before establishing himself in the senior squad.
Senior debut
He received his first senior call-up from Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić during the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. Baturina made his senior debut on 18 November 2023, entering as a substitute in a 2-0 away victory over Latvia.
UEFA Euro 2024
Baturina was selected in Croatia’s 26-player squad for UEFA Euro 2024. His inclusion reflected his rise from youth prospect to a midfielder considered ready for a major international tournament.
First international goals
He scored his first senior international goal against Poland in the UEFA Nations League on 15 October 2024. His second Croatia goal came against England in June 2026.
Playing with Luka Modrić
Baturina has frequently been compared with Luka Modrić because of his nationality, position and creative characteristics. He rejects the idea that he is a direct successor, explaining that their styles are different despite sharing some qualities.
“I do not think there will ever be another Modrić. We have different styles. Maybe we share some qualities, and that is why people make the comparison.”
Martin BaturinaPlaying style
Creative attacking midfielder
Baturina is primarily a number 10 who looks for space between the opposition’s midfield and defensive lines. From these areas, he can turn, carry the ball forward or create chances with short combinations and disguised passes.
Close control in tight spaces
One of his most valuable qualities is his ability to receive and protect the ball in congested central areas. His first touch allows him to escape pressure, while his balance and body orientation help him protect possession against physical challenges.
Passing between the lines
Baturina can identify and execute passes into advanced central zones. He combines well with forwards, attacking midfielders and inverted full-backs, especially when the opposition’s defensive structure begins to narrow.
Progressive carrying
He is not limited to passing. Baturina can advance the ball by dribbling through midfield, changing direction quickly and attacking the space created when an opponent steps out to press him.
Movement from the left
Although naturally an attacking midfielder, he can begin from the left side and move inside onto his stronger right foot. This allows him to enter central creative zones while making space for an overlapping or advancing full-back.
Goal threat
Baturina can shoot from outside the penalty area, arrive near the edge of the box and attack spaces created by the movement of the striker. His improved scoring record at Como demonstrates increasing efficiency in the final third.
Pressing and defensive work
In Fàbregas’s system, attacking players must react quickly after losing possession. Baturina’s role therefore includes closing passing lanes, pressing the player in possession and helping Como recover the ball before the opposition can launch a transition.
Role in Cesc Fàbregas’s system
Baturina gives Cesc Fàbregas a technically gifted player who can occupy several positions inside Como’s attacking structure. He can operate as the central number 10, as an advanced number 8 or as a left-sided midfielder who moves into the half-space.
Operating between the lines
His principal task is to find space behind the opposition midfield. Once he receives in this area, he can turn towards goal, connect with the striker or release a runner moving beyond the defensive line.
Creating overloads
Baturina can move towards the ball to create numerical superiority around the build-up. His mobility helps Como establish passing triangles and draw opponents away from the areas the team intends to attack.
Combining with Nico Paz
When Baturina and Nico Paz play together, Como can use two creative players capable of rotating positions, receiving in the half-spaces and carrying the ball towards the penalty area.
Their coexistence can make Como less predictable because either player can drop towards midfield while the other remains in a more advanced position.
Starting from the left
Baturina can also begin in a wider position before moving inside. This movement creates the possibility of an overload in central midfield while leaving the outside lane available for a teammate.
Attacking compact defences
His close control and short passing are particularly valuable against opponents defending in a low or medium block. Baturina can receive in narrow spaces and create an opening without Como having to abandon its possession-based identity.
Supporting the counter-press
After a turnover, Baturina is expected to immediately pressure the ball or block the opponent’s nearest passing option. This helps Como maintain territorial control and reduces the defensive risk created by committing players forward.
Career statistics
League career
| Club | Period | League appearances | League goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dinamo Zagreb | 2020-2025 | 114 | 17 |
| Como 1907 | From 2025 | 39 | 9 |
Como statistics by season
| Season | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | Serie A | 29 | 6 | Not listed |
| 2025/26 | Coppa Italia | 5 | 2 | Not listed |
| 2026/27 | Serie A | 10 | 3 | 1 |
| 2026/27 | UEFA Champions League | 4 | 2 | Not listed |
Croatia senior statistics
| National team | Period | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Croatia | From 2023 | 26 | 2 |
Honours and individual awards
Dinamo Zagreb
- Croatian league: 2021/22
- Croatian league: 2022/23
- Croatian Super Cup: 2022
- Croatian Super Cup: 2023
Individual awards
- Football Oscar Team of the Year: 2023
- Football Oscar Best Croatian League Under-21 Player: 2023
- Serie A Rising Star of the Month: January 2026
Main strengths
- Close control
- First touch
- Playing between the lines
- Creative passing
- Progressive ball carrying
- Dribbling in tight spaces
- Body orientation
- Combination play
- Positional versatility
- Long-range shooting
- Final-third creativity
- Counter-pressing
- Football intelligence
- Champions League experience
Why Martin Baturina is important to Como
Baturina represents the type of player around whom Como’s long-term project is being built: young but already experienced, technically gifted, tactically flexible and capable of improving within a possession-based system.
His ability to play as a number 10, central midfielder or left-sided creator gives Fàbregas several ways to structure the attacking midfield. He can help Como progress through pressure, unlock a compact defence or carry the ball during a transition.
His connection with other technical players, particularly Nico Paz, can give Como multiple creative reference points rather than making the attack dependent on a single playmaker.
The contract until 2030 also reflects a long-term commitment. Baturina is not simply a developmental signing: his performances for Dinamo Zagreb, Croatia and Como show that he can already influence matches in Serie A and European competition.
Explore the complete Como 1907 squad