One of two AA Gent players in the Slovenian squad, Marko Suler became a regular at centre-half during the qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. The 27-year-old played in ten of the Zmajceki’s 12 preliminary matches and his partnership with Bostjan Cesar was crucial to the side’s outstanding defensive record.

Renowned for his speed and aerial ability, Suler had represented Slovenia at U-16, U-18 and U-21 level, but had to wait until the age of 25 to make his senior debut in friendly match against Hungary in March 2008. That milestone coincided with his move to Belgium after six years in the Slovenian top flight with NK Drovograd and then ND Gorica, with whom he won two league championships.

Suler settled effortlessly into Belgian football, immediately securing a first team place at Gent, and his progress has been such that the Jupiler League outfit moved to secure him on a new three-year deal in February of this year.  However, should the 27-year-old, who can also play at right-back, continue to impress during the FIFA World Cup, Gent could well have a job on their hands hanging on to this rising Slovenian star.