Lamine Yamal team-mate and red hot striker provide threat to Sunderland's Europa League hopes

It was all change at Sunderland’s Europa League opponents Dinamo Zagreb at the weekend after they parted company with league and cup winning head coach Mario Kovačević just days before their visit to the Stadium of Light.

A surprise 1-0 home defeat against Rudeš left Dinamo in second place in the HNL table and they are now four points behind title rivals Hadjuk Split as their attention turns towards their trip to Wearside. Former Croatia international Jerko Leko has been placed in temporary charge as the search for Kovačević’s successor gets underway - and he will still be able to rely on some talented players as he looked to help his side return to winning ways this week.

Striker Dion Beljo is the main threat to Sunderland’s aspirations of progressing into the knockout rounds of the Europa League after he plundered his way to 17 goals in just 18 appearances in competitions during the opening three months of the season. The former Rapid Vienna and Augsberg frontman also scored his first senior international goal after finding the net in Croatia’s 4-1 Nations League defeat against Spain in September. His form for club and country has reportedly triggered interest from several Premier League clubs in recent months with the likes of Manchester United, Newcastle United, Everton and Leeds United all named as potential suitors.

At the other end of the pitch, centre-back Sergi Dominguez is also viewed as one of Dinamo’s key players. A product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia youth academy, the 21-year-old has already made 58 appearances across all competitions for the club after joining them in a cut price deal during the summer of 2025. Dominguez actually made six senior appearances for Barcelona, featuring alongside the likes of Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi and Pedri in La Liga and the Champions League.

Join the Echo’s WhatsApp SAFC Channel for the latest news, team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join.

Former Croatia Under-21 international Luka Stojkovic will look to provide creative threat from midfield after he provided two goals and two assists from nine league appearances so far this season. The 23-year-old joined Dinamo from league rivals NK Lokomotiva in 2023 and has already become a two-time league champion and Croatian Cup winner during his time with the club. Stojkovic is consistently utilised as a number ten in behind Beljo but is also capable of playing on either wing.

In terms of a familiar face for Sunderland fans, Dinamo have former Nottingham Forest defender Scott McKenna within their ranks - although the 54-times capped Scotland international has never faced the Black Cats. He joined Dinamo on a free transfer during the summer of 2025 following his departure from Spanish club Las Palmas and also earned European experience during his time with Danish side FC Copenhagen.

The Echo's Europa League coverage is sponsored by Mobility Care Solutions - your Award winning Mobility provider in Sunderland and the surrounding areas (Healthcare Matters Mobility Company of the Year 2026).

For mobility scooters, living aids & vehicle adaptations, Mobility Care Solutions are here to provide a helping hand to make daily living that little bit easier. Visit our showroom today.

Your next Sunderland read: Sunderland plot fresh £33.4m transfer raid as José Fonte pushes for January deal – reports