'Liverpool can win the Champions League' - Vlasic

The attacking midfielder also seemed to take a dig at Everton, saying he was not a fan of how any team in the Premier League plays, apart from the big six clubs. Everton are eighth in the table.

Vlasic was signed from Hajduk Split in 2017 but has subsequently been sent out on loan to CSKA Moscow for the season, scoring the winner against Real Madrid in the Champions League last time out. 

Everton are, of course, not involved in European competition this season, but rather than play it safe Vlasic was not afraid to praise their biggest rivals when asked. 

"I would say Chelsea, but they're not in it! Champions League? I'd say Liverpool, last year's final and now stronger, then (Manchester) City, Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid," he said to 'Gazzetto dello Sport'.

There was also time for a slight dig at the lower echelons of the Premier League - Everton included - when he spoke about playing styles in England. 

"In the Premier League, only the top five or six teams, managed by foreigners like Klopp or Guardiola, play great football," Vlasic added.

"The others think only about defending, focusing on the physical aspect. That's not how I want to play."