Amar Dedic
NEW
RB
Balanced Full Back
Aug 18, 2002 (24)
Right
5'11"
163 lb
NewcastleStatus uncertain for GW4
Dedic's hamstring injury does not appear to be serious after he was withdrawn at halftime of Tuesday's Carabao Cup win over Millwall, according to coach Matthias Jaissle. "I treat these things really confidentially. I hope my staff too, that nothing comes out. Because first of all, it's about the player and it's about his health. But what I said already after Millwall, it doesn't look too serious."
Analysis: Dedic felt discomfort in his hamstring during Tuesday's cup tie, prompting Newcastle United to take no risks despite his substitution also being partly planned. The encouraging update suggests the full-back may avoid an extended absence, though his availability for Monday's clash against Leeds will depend on his progress over the next few days. Dedic has made a strong start since joining from Benfica, recording three assists and providing consistent attacking threat from the right side, while Valentino Livramento represents the most likely replacement if he is unavailable.
Picks up hamstring issue
Dedic was withdrawn at halftime of Tuesday's 1-0 Carabao Cup win over Millwall after experiencing discomfort in his hamstring, according to coach Matthias Jaissle, per The Northern Echo. "Amar felt a little bit of something with his hamstring, so we didn't want to take any risk. But it was also planned that Tino Livramento got more minutes than last time [against Bournemouth]."
Analysis: Dedic's substitution was partly planned to give Valentino Livramento additional minutes, but the hamstring discomfort prompted Newcastle United to avoid taking any risks with the full-back. He will be assessed over the next 24 hours, leaving his availability for Monday's trip to Leeds United uncertain. Dedic has made an impressive start since joining from Benfica, recording three assists while providing a consistent attacking threat from the right side.
Takes two shots in draw
Dedic had two shots (zero on goal) and two crosses (one accurate) in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Dedic played the full 90 minutes at right-back, delivering two crosses of which one was accurate, taking two shots and making one interception as Newcastle's defensive right side struggled to contain Bournemouth's left-sided threat throughout the first half. He was also involved in one dangerous moment when he turned Adam Smith's cross across the face of goal but found no takers in a promising first-half situation. Dedic has now started all three of Newcastle's Premier League fixtures this season as manager Jaissle's first-choice right-back.
Assists opener Saturday
Dedic assisted once to go with two crosses (two accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Analysis: Dedic set up the opening goal of Saturday's match as his headed pass found Anthony Elanga who placed the ball perfectly in the back of the net for the 1-0 lead. It was one of two chances he created in the match and he also recorded two accurate crosses on the attack. He helped keep a clean sheet as well, contributing four clearances, one blocked shot and one tackle in his full 90 minutes of action.
Single shot in draw
Dedic registered one shot (zero on goal) in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Liverpool.
Analysis: Dedic took a single shot from the backline during Sunday's draw. The defender will likely get more room to run against some other opponents, but didn't have much space to work with against Liverpool. It's a tough start to the season and a draw is a nice way to kick things off, even at home.
Set for first Newcastle role
Dedic was praised by coach Matthias Jaissle on Thursday, with Newcastle United's manager saying that the defender is "ready" after his recent arrival and that he "is a perfect addition to the squad, he is versatile in his approach and our playing style. A good fit, especially given our time together at Salzburg."
Analysis: Dedic heading straight into the starting lineup following his transfer from Portuguese club Benfica makes him one of the most offensively valuable members of Newcastle's back line heading into the season opener. The comments indicate Dedic is in line to factor into Newcastle United's plans right away, covering for the absence of Valentino Livramento (calf). The Bosnian's versatility could help him compete for early minutes and contribute on both ends of the field as he settles in with his new club.
Signs with Newcastle through 2031
Dedic has signed a five-year deal with Newcastle United, becoming the club's sixth senior addition of the summer, the club announced.
Analysis: Dedic previously worked under Newcastle coach Matthias Jaissle in Austria at FC Liefering and Red Bull Salzburg, going on to make 95 appearances in all competitions for Salzburg before a loan spell at Marseille and a permanent move to Benfica last summer. The 23-year-old has 31 caps for Bosnia, including three at this summer's World Cup, and brings a dynamic profile as a full back who is comfortable carrying the ball under pressure thanks to his mobility, though his lack of height and strength could be tested against Premier League physicality. Dedic is expected to add competition for Valentino Livramento and Lewis Hall at full back. His versatility on both flanks gives Newcastle United a rotation option capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch.
Game-high four tackles won in exit
Dedic took one shot (off target), created one chance, won four tackles, and committed two fouls in Wednesday's 2-0 loss to the USA.
Analysis: Deployed as an attacking right-sided defender, he balanced his defensive responsibilities against Christian Pulisic with his usual desire to get forward whenever Bosnia could break out of its own half. The U.S. dominated possession for much of the contest, limiting Dedić's opportunities to influence the attack, but he remained one of Bosnia's most active outlets. As one of the team's key wide defenders, he provided pace, attacking width, and defensive stability while helping Bosnia reach the knockout stage for the first time in its World Cup history.
Starting Wednesday
Dedic (thigh) is in the starting XI for Wednesday's match against the USA.
Analysis: Dedic is fit once again and ready for play immediately, as the defender earns a spot in the starting XI to face the USMNT. This major news after he started their first two group stage matches, needed very much to stop the American attack. He should remain a starter moving forward if Bosnia remains in the competition.
Ready to play
Dedic (thigh) will be available for Wednesday's match against the United States after overcoming his injury, reprezentacija.ba reports.
Analysis: Dedic had recorded 90 minutes in two consecutive contests before getting hurt, so there's a reasonable chance he'll see minutes in the round of 32 at the expense of Amar Memic. Having returned to training sessions a few days prior to the knockout match, Dedic will look to earn a significant role on the right side of a back four, although he'll face difficult challenges for the remainder of the tournament and may be forced to defend for long stretches of games.
Rejoins training
Dedic (thigh) is in training ahead of Wednesday's match against the USA, according to Bosnian Football.
Analysis: Dedic is looking to make a return in the group stage after his absence from the team's group stage finale, with the defender earning a spot in training Sunday. This is major news, as he will now only need to continue to train to make the team sheet Wednesday. He will have a tall task of defending against Christian Pulisic on the right of the defense, needing to be fully fit to cover the prolific player.
Ruled out against Qatar
Dedic is unavailable against Qatar as he has not recovered in time from a small thigh issue, according to BIHFootball.
Analysis: Dedic missed Bosnia's last training session before the game due to a minor muscle issue in the front of his thigh. Despite optimism from coach Sergej Barbarez that he could still be available, he is now reported to be ruled out, a huge blow given his importance and the magnitude of the clash, with Amar Memic a possible option to replace him.
Solid effort against Swiss
Dedic recorded one shot on goal, two tackles and three clearances in Thursday's 4-1 loss to Switzerland.
Analysis: Dedic was a solid factor in the match Thursday despite the rough loss, as the defender earned himself a decent outing. He would only see the one shot in the attack, but earned plenty of stats in the defense with the four goals conceded, notching an interception, two tackles and three clearances. He is more than likely to maintain this role, one of Bosnia's better players, through two matches.
Records seven clearances
Dedic recorded two tackles (one won) and seven clearances in Friday's 1-1 draw against Canada.
Analysis: Bosnia were under heavy pressure throughout the second half, but Dedic was one of the standout performers from a defensive standpoint after racking up the second-highest mark in clearances. Look for Dedic to keep his place in the starting XI for the match against Switzerland on June 18, though his fantasy upside will mostly be limited to defensive contributions.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare