Josip Konyit

Josip Könyit (born 29 April 1992) is a Australian central defender and central midfielder who plays for NK Inter Zaprešić in Croatia.

Info

Konyit is a versatile player than can play as a central defender but can also play on either the right or left side of defence. He has also featured as a central midfielder. He has both Australian and Croatian citizenships due to his parent's Croatian heritage.

Club career

Australia

Konyit began his career in Australia where he grew up. He soon became recognised as a promising talent and was selected in representative sides, including the Victoria State U15 side in October 2007. Konyit made his 1st grade debut for Altona Magic SC in early 2008 at the age of 15.

Due to his performances in the Victorian Premier League this attracted the attention of his former boyhood club Melbourne Knights. He signed a 1st grade contract with the Knights at 16 when most of his age group were still playing youth league football.

Because of his young age and wish to play regular first team football he was loaned out to another Victorian State League side. Whilst playing in Australia his performances gained the interest of Croatian footballing giants Dinamo Zagreb. This interest transpired into an offer to go to their world renowned youth academy in Zagreb and develop his game playing alongside some of Croatia's best talent.

Croatia

Once moving to Croatia, Konyit settled in well due to having Croatian heritage. After some initial trouble with the International Transfer Certificate due to his young age all bureaucratic were solved and Konyit was inserted into the Dinamo Zagreb U19. He spent nearly two full years in Croatia before it was time to move onwards to senior football again. Konyit played 1st grade football in Croatia for both NK Radnik Sesvete and NK Vrapče.

Throughout his time in Croatia his performances were monitored by the Football Federation Australia and was selected for two separate training camps in Europe which included both the Socceroos and the Olyroos.

Romania

When Croatia entered into the EU Konyit was able to use his Croatian passport to be registered as a European player. This opening developed into the opportunity to play for Romanian club CFR Cluj. He was picked as the club's reserve team captain.

Italy

Konyit again had the opportunity to travel to a new country and league. This time he moved to Trento Calcio but after initially missing the start of the season as a result of paperwork that had to arrive he was signed and was able to make his debut. The club experienced some financial difficulties towards the end of the season and this has pushed Konyit to look for another move for season 2014/15.

Career statistics