Nikola Vasilj
PAUBosnia and Herzegovina
Right
Dec 2, 1995
30
6'4"
190 lb
GK
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St. PauliAllows one in each half
Vasilj allowed two goals while making three saves during Saturday's 2-1 loss to RB Leipzig.
Analysis: Vasilj allowed a goal in each half as St. Pauli dropped all three points Saturday. The keeper has allowed two goals in each of his last three starts while combining for nine saves over that stretch. St. Pauli are in the relegation zone in 17th place, but have a chance to survive in a crucial relegation head-to-head battle during next week's season finale against Wolfsburg.
Three saves in defeat
Vasilj made three saves and allowed two goals in Sunday's 2-1 loss versus Mainz.
Analysis: Vasilj made three saves in Sunday's 2-1 home loss to Mainz, including a sharp denial of Nadiem Amiri from a tight angle in the 48th minute and a standout reaction stop to turn away Sheraldo Becker's close-range header in the 52nd minute, keeping his side alive before the game slipped further out of reach. He was left with no chance on Phillip Tietz's sixth-minute finish off a defensive mistake that opened the door, nor on Phillipp Mwene's thunderous 40th minute volley ripped into the top corner. Vasilj will be aiming to bounce back and reset his level heading into Saturday's matchup against Leipzig.
Concedes twice in defeat
Vasilj registered three saves and allowed two goals in Saturday's 2-0 defeat to FC Heidenheim.
Analysis: Vasilj repelled three of five FC Heidenheim shots on goal Saturday as FC St. Pauil were dragged back into the relegation scrap as a result of their a 2-0 home defeat. Across his last five starting appearances, the veteran keeper has produced 18 saves and six clearances while allowing 11 goals. Vasilj's next challenge is likely to come Sunday when FC St. Pauli hosts FSV Mainz 05.
Available vs. Heidenheim
Vasilj (illness) will be available Saturday against Heidenheim, according to manager Alexander Blessin. "Niko had a bronchial issue but was fully fit again today. He will be available on Saturday."
Analysis: Vasilj missed training on back-to-back days due to the injury, but he'll be an option for the weekend after overcoming a bronchial issue. The goalkeeper has been the No. 1 option between the posts for St. Pauli all season long, and he should remain in that role Saturday. He's allowed 11 goals over his last five matches with no clean sheets, however, so it's hard to trust him at the moment.
Dealing with illness
Vasilj (illness) missed team training for a second consecutive day Wednesday, leaving his availability for Saturday's clash against Heidenheim uncertain, according to Mopo.
Analysis: Vasilj has been sidelined with illness since the beginning of the week, but despite the training absence, reports suggest the club still expects him to be available between the posts at the weekend. The Bosnian goalkeeper is St. Pauli's undisputed number one and the club will give him every opportunity to recover in time, with a final call expected closer to kickoff. If Vasilj cannot be cleared, Ben Voll would step in between the posts with Simon Spari providing backup in what would be a further headache for manager Alexander Blessin's side heading into a crucial relegation battle clash.
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