Dragutin Vabec, most commonly known as Drago Vabec (born 26 October 1950 in Zagreb, SFR Yugoslavia) is a Croatian left winger who played for SFR Yugoslavia, Dinamo Zagreb and Stade Brestois. He is considered one of the best players in Dinamo Zagreb history and the best player in Stade Brestois history. His family originates from Čakovec, Međimurje County, and he spent most of his time there.
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Full name | Dragutin Vabec | ||
Date of birth | (1950-10-26) 26 October 1950 (age 71) | ||
Place of birth | Zagreb, PR Croatia, FPR Yugoslavia | ||
Height | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | ||
Position(s) | Left winger | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
1968–1977 | Dinamo Zagreb | 230 | (45) |
1977 | Toronto Metros-Croatia | 15 | (11) |
1977–1979 | Dinamo Zagreb | 28 | (10) |
1979–1983 | Stade Brestois | 118 | (60) |
1983–1984 | Dinamo Zagreb | 7 | (1) |
Total | 398 | (127) | |
National team | |||
1973–1976 | Yugoslavia | 7 | (1) |
Teams managed | |||
2006–2007 | Čakovec | ||
2012–2013 | Sloga Čakovec | ||
2013– | Strahoninec | ||
*Club domestic league appearances and goals |
While playing for Yugoslavia during a match against Sweden on 10 October 1975 he scored a fantastic goal, which was for years screened at the beginning of the sports program.[1]
In October 2006, he was appointed head coach at relegation-threatened Croatian second division side NK Čakovec. He remained at the position until the end of the season, but failed to save the club from relegation.
Although Vabec played mostly as a left winger, he was an excellent right winger too, and could also play at a high level as a midfielder or a defender. The football experts deem him the most versatile player in Dinamo's history. Vabec was described as a highly intelligent player, with superb technique and passing skills, and equally adept with both feet.[1]