Once one of Europe's hottest striking properties, Balaban has managed to rebuild his career after a disastrous spell with Aston Villa. He joined Villa in the summer of 2001 for £6million from Dinamo Zagreb, but struggled to make his mark and failed to make an appearance at the 2002 World Cup finals, although he did make the 23-man squad after some impressive displays in qualifying. Was out of the picture for Euro 2004, having joined Belgian side Club Brugge just before the tournament, but Balaban is now a regular member of Zlatko Kranjcar's plans once again.