Who is Rokas Pukstas? The Ivan Rakitic mentored midfielder now in Liverpool's sights

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Liverpool are reportedly keeping tabs on Hajduk Split midfielder Rokas Pukstas as he continues to impress in Croatia.The Reds could be looking to add to their midfield options in 2026, with Pukstas seemingly catching the eye of scouts.According to Croatian outlet Novi List, Liverpool were one of the clubs in attendance to watch the Adriatic Derby between Rijeka and Hajduk Split on Saturday.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. Pukstas is put forward as being the probable main focus of attention, with Rijeka’s hat-trick hero Toni Fruk also named as a likely target for scouts.So, with Liverpool seemingly following his progress, who is Hajduk midfielder Pukstas?

He has emerged as a key player for Gonzalo Garcia this season, starting 12 of 14 HNL matches.Pukstas seeks out Ivan Rakitic for adviceAs Pukstas aims to develop into a midfielder worthy of gracing Europe’s top five divisions, he has a terrific mentor to look up to at Hajduk Split.Former Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic is the current technical director at Hajduk, and according to Pukstas, he has been picking the 37-year-old’s brain about how to improve his game as a midfielder. I asked him a step-by-step process of how he approaches it and he took me through everything.

“He took me through the details he learned throughout his career. For everything he has given me I am really grateful.”Pukstas went on to describe himself as a versatile player who covers a lot of ground, wins his duels and will play wherever he needs to in order to help the team.