Dennis Politic
Dennis Dorian Politic (born 5 March 2000) is a Romanian professional footballer who plays as a winger for Liga I club Dinamo București. Internationally, Politic earned caps for Romania at under-17 level.
| Politic with Bolton Wanderers U18 in 2017 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Dennis Dorian Politic[1] | ||
| Date of birth | 5 March 2000[2] | ||
| Place of birth | Brașov, Romania[2] | ||
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)[2] | ||
| Position(s) | Winger | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Dinamo București | ||
| Number | 17 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| CSM Codlea | |||
| –2012 | FC Brașov | ||
| 2012–2015 | Manchester United | ||
| 2015–2018 | Bolton Wanderers | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2018–2022 | Bolton Wanderers | 24 | (3) |
| 2018–2019 | → Salford City (loan) | 9 | (2) |
| 2021–2022 | → Port Vale (loan) | 10 | (2) |
| 2022–2023 | Cremonese | 3 | (0) |
| 2022–2023 | → Port Vale (loan) | 24 | (2) |
| 2023– | Dinamo București | 23 | (6) |
| International career | |||
| 2016 | Romania U17 | 3 | (0) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 1 April 2024 | |||
Politic joined the academy of Manchester United from hometown side Brașov at age 12. He then moved to Bolton Wanderers, with which he recorded his professional debut in 2018 after a loan stint at Salford City. He also had a loan spell at Port Vale, before transferring to Italian club Cremonese in 2022. He returned on loan to Port Vale for the 2022–23 season. He returned to Romania to sign with Dinamo București in July 2023.
Club career edit
Early career edit
Born in Brașov, Politic began his career with CSM Codlea and FC Brașov before joining Manchester United in August 2012, aged 12.[3]
Bolton Wanderers edit
Politic joined Bolton Wanderers at the age of 15,[4] where he scored hat-tricks in consecutive games for the under-19s in September and October 2017.[5] He signed his first professional contract with the club in summer 2018, and on 26 October that year he was loaned to Salford City of the National League until the new year.[6] He made his senior debut the next day in a 1–1 draw with Ebbsfleet United at Moor Lane, as a 69th-minute substitute for Tom Walker, earning praise from manager Graham Alexander for his impact.[7][8] He scored his first goal on 1 December as an early substitute in a 3–0 home win against Havant & Waterlooville.[9] He totalled 13 appearances for the Ammies and scored once more on 16 February 2019, opening a 3–1 home loss to Dover Athletic. The long-range strike was likened to one scored by Salford co-owner David Beckham in 1996; Beckham was in attendance at the match.[10] A shoulder injury caused him to miss out on Salford's successful promotion push that took them into the English Football League at the end of the 2018–19 season.[11]
On 3 August 2019, Politic made his Bolton debut by playing the full 90 minutes in their opening game of the League One season, a 2–0 loss at Wycombe Wanderers; the Trotters team had an unfamiliar line-up due to a financial crisis.[12] Ten days later he scored his first goal for the club, in a 5–2 loss at Rochdale in the first round of the EFL Cup.[13] On 1 January 2020, he came on in the 76th-minute for Joe Dodoo and eight minutes later scored his first league goal in a 4–3 loss to Burton Albion at the University of Bolton Stadium.[14] Later that month he signed a contract extension to keep him at Bolton until 2022, after which manager Keith Hill praised him for continuing to work hard.[4][15] On 11 August 2020, in a 6–0 pre-season victory against Loughborough University, Politic damaged his anterior cruciate ligament following a slip on the pitch and was ruled out for the whole of the 2020–21 season after undergoing a "pretty straightforward operation".[16][17][18] He returned to training in April 2021, though manager Ian Evatt decided against playing him in the final few matches of the season, stating it was too risky to do so and would instead wait until the 2021–22 season.[19]
On 16 August 2021, Politic joined League Two club Port Vale on loan for the 2021–22 season,[20] to allow him to regain his prior fitness and develop as a player having missed the entire previous season through injury.[21] Bolton had the option to recall him in January[22] and also offered him a new contract[23] though he did not sign it.[24] Port Vale manager Darrell Clarke said that he had wanted an aggressive ball-carrying wide player and "he fits the criteria massively" despite being right-footed as that "in an ideal world I’d have gotten a left-footed one"[25] He remained an unused substitute in the early stages of the season as Clarke used a 3–5–2 formation, but he did score a brace in a friendly game.[26] He finally made his competitive debut for the "Valiants" on 2 October, coming on against Leyton Orient as a substitute with three minutes remaining, during which he scored the equalising goal as his team went on to win the game 3–2.[27] On 4 December, he scored his first career FA Cup goals; after coming on as a substitute in the 74th minute for David Amoo, Politic scored the equaliser and winner to secure a 2–1 victory over Burton Albion.[28][29] Bolton manager Ian Evatt stated later that week that he would not be recalling Politic in January as he had not played enough for Port Vale to justify bringing him back, feeling that if he failed to get into a League Two team regularly, he should not get into a League One team either.[30] He was recalled from his loan spell on 17 January, however, amidst reports that a permanent transfer had been arranged[31] with Bolton confirming they had accepted a transfer bid for him.[32]
Cremonese edit
On 21 January 2022, Politic signed for Serie B side Cremonese on an 18-month contract for an undisclosed fee plus a sell-on clause;[33][34] the fee was reported by The Bolton News to be £50,000.[35] He made his debut on 22 February as a late substitute in a 0–0 draw with Vicenza at the Stadio Giovanni Zini.[36] Manager Fabio Pecchia led the "Tigers" to promotion into Serie A at the end of the 2021–22 season, though Politic made just three substitute appearances.[2]
On 1 September 2022, he rejoined Port Vale on a season-long loan, with the club now playing in League One. He thanked manager Darrell Clarke for saving a winner's medal from the League Two play-off final for him, saying "I think from the top, all the way down, this is a special club and I think it’s run very well, the people are unbelievable – great characters in this club".[37][38] He scored his first career hat-trick on 20 September, helping the Vale to a 4–0 victory at Shrewsbury Town in the EFL Trophy.[39] He scored another goal in the FA Cup defeat to Exeter City on 5 November, in what was his first start in three weeks.[40] He was sent off on 10 April after elbowing Oxford United's Stephan Negru in stoppage-time of a 0–0 draw.[41]
Dinamo București edit
On 3 July 2023, he signed with Liga 1 club Dinamo București,[42][43] his first experience with professional football in his native country. He made his debut for the club on 22 July, coming in as a substitute in the 59th-minute of the 2–1 loss to FCSB in the Eternal derby.[44] On 5 August, he scored his first goal for the club, in a 1–1 draw at Universitatea Cluj and was also selected as man of the match.[45][46] Nine days later, he contributed to a last-minute own goal in a 1–0 win against FC Botoșani and was named as man of the match[47] and in the Liga 1 Team of the Week.[48] After a few unremarkable performances, on 6 October, he scored the only goal of Dinamo in a 2–1 loss at UTA Arad.[49] Putting end to a series of 14 games without a win for Dinamo, Politic was named as man of the match in the 2–0 win at FC Botoșani,[50] after scoring what was described as one of the most beautiful goals in the Liga 1 season.[51] For this performance, he was also named in the Liga 1 Team of the Week.[52] Politic became one of the most important players in the team and, on 2 February 2024, he scored in the 2–1 defeat at FC U Craiova.[53] He scored again in the following game, on 12 February, against champions Farul Constanța,[54] being named for the third time in the season in the Liga 1 Team of the Week.[55] On 18 February, Politic extended his scoring run to three consecutive matches, opening the scoring in a 3–1 home win over Oțelul Galați,[56] before being substituted in the 53rd-minute because of an injury.
International career edit
In October 2016, Politic was capped three times for the Romania U17s in qualification games for the 2017 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, in defeats to Austria, England and Azerbaijan at Stadionul CNAF; he missed a penalty against England.[57][58][59]
Style of play edit
Politic has been described as a "technically gifted" midfielder, "possessing a velvet-like first touch and an eye for the spectacular strike".[60] Bolton manager Phil Parkinson described him as a "creative maverick".[61]
Career statistics edit
- As of match played 1 April 2024
| Club | Season | League | National cup[a] | League cup[b] | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Bolton Wanderers | 2018–19[62] | Championship | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | |
| 2019–20[63] | League One | 24 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4[c] | 1 | 30 | 5 | |
| 2020–21[64] | League Two | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2021–22[65] | League One | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Total | 24 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 30 | 5 | ||
| Salford City (loan) | 2018–19[2] | National League | 9 | 2 | 2 | 0 | – | 2[d] | 0 | 13 | 2 | |
| Port Vale (loan) | 2021–22[65] | League Two | 10 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3[c] | 1 | 16 | 5 |
| Cremonese | 2021–22[2] | Serie B | 3 | 0 | – | – | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | ||
| 2022–23[2] | Serie A | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Total | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | ||
| Port Vale (loan) | 2022–23[66] | League One | 24 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4[c] | 4 | 29 | 7 |
| Dinamo București | 2023–24[2] | Liga I | 23 | 6 | 4 | 0 | – | – | 27 | 6 | ||
| Career total | 93 | 15 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 6 | 118 | 25 | ||
References edit
- ^ "Politic Dennis Dorian - FC Braşov - frf-ajf.ro". Brașov County Football Association. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Dennis Politic at Soccerway. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
- ^ Nastaila, Valentin (16 August 2012). "FA-BU-LOS! Un român la Manchester United!** A mai fost pe lista lui Liverpool și Chelsea, iar englezii i-au făcut cel mai mare compliment: l-au poreclit "Gerrard"". Prosport (in Romanian). Retrieved 16 August 2021.
- ^ a b O'Gara, Mikey (24 January 2020). "DENNIS POLITIC | Wanderers winger signs contract until 2022". www.bwfc.co.uk. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
- ^ Pye, David (2 October 2017). "Dennis Politic bags treble as Bolton Wanderers Under-18s draw with Birmingham City". The Bolton News. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
- ^ Norris, Emma (26 October 2018). "Dennis Politic joins Salford City on loan". bwfc.co.uk. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
- ^ "Top spot gone as Fleet hold". salfordcityfc.co.uk. 27 October 2018. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
- ^ Iles, Marc (30 October 2018). "Wanderers youngster Politic gets Alexander's vote". The Bolton News. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
- ^ "Salford City 3–0 Havant & Waterlooville". BBC Sport. 1 December 2018. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
- ^ Slater, Chris (17 February 2019). "Beckham watches on as Salford City player scores carbon copy of his iconic 1996 Wimbledon goal". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
- ^ Freezer, David (22 July 2019). "Norwich City transfer rumours: Bolton winger could be the next young pr..." The Pink Un. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
- ^ "Wycombe Wanderers 2–0 Bolton Wanderers". bbc.co.uk. 3 August 2019. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
- ^ "Rochdale 5–2 Bolton Wanderers". BBC Sport. 13 August 2019. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
- ^ "Bolton Wanderers 3–4 Burton Albion". BBC Sport. 1 January 2020. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
- ^ Iles, Marc (10 February 2020). ""He'll be a valuable asset" - Keith Hill praises 'settled' Wanderers star". The Bolton News. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
- ^ Iles, Marc (11 August 2020). "Ian Evatt reacts to serious Dennis Politic injury in pre-season friendly". The Bolton News. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
- ^ "Bolton's Politic set to miss season". BBC Sport. 20 August 2020. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
- ^ "Politic set to miss forthcoming season". www.bwfc.co.uk. 20 August 2020. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
- ^ McDougall, John (1 May 2021). "Politic's chances of making Bolton first team before season end assessed". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
- ^ "Dennis Politic joins Port Vale on loan". bwfc.co.uk. 16 August 2021. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
- ^ Iles, Marc (13 August 2021). "Politic set to leave Bolton Wanderers on loan during current loan window". The Bolton News. Retrieved 17 August 2021.
- ^ The Bolton News: "Why Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt could recall Dennis Politic in January"
- ^ Iles, Marc (12 August 2021). "Wanderers loan pair Politic and Darcy offered new deals to stay at UniBol". The Bolton News. Retrieved 17 August 2021.
- ^ Iles, Marc (11 September 2021). "What Ian Evatt said when asked about Dennis Politic's Wanderers contract offer". The Bolton News. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
- ^ Mounteney, Luke (16 August 2021). "Dennis Politic joins Valiants on season-long loan". Port Vale F.C. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
- ^ Baggaley, Michael (28 September 2021). "Dennis Politic makes his mark in Port Vale friendly against Stockport". StokeonTrentLive. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
- ^ "Port Vale 3-2 Leyton Orient". BBC Sport. 2 October 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
- ^ "Burton Albion 1 - 2 Port Vale". bbc.co.uk. 4 December 2021. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
- ^ Baggaley, Michael (5 December 2021). "Dennis Politic's Port Vale message about future on-loan from Bolton". StokeonTrentLive. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
- ^ Iles, Marc (8 December 2021). "Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt puts record straight on Dennis Politic future". The Bolton News. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
- ^ Baggaley, Michael (17 January 2022). "Dennis Politic leaves Port Vale and is linked with Italy move". StokeonTrentLive. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
- ^ "Politic Loan Spell Ended". www.bwfc.co.uk. 17 January 2022. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
- ^ "Politic nuovo calciatore grigiorosso". U.S. Cremonese (in Italian). 21 January 2022. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
- ^ Oliver, Pete (21 January 2022). "Permanent Move For Politic". www.bwfc.co.uk. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
- ^ Iles, Marc (18 January 2022). "Wanderers winger Politic set to complete move to Serie B side Cremonese". The Bolton News. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
- ^ "Cremonese vs. Vicenza - 22 February 2022 - Soccerway". uk.soccerway.com. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
- ^ "Port Vale sign McCarron, Politic and Butterworth". BBC Sport. 1 September 2022. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
- ^ "Dennis Politic Interview | "I am delighted to be back – this is a special club"". Port Vale F.C. 6 September 2022. Retrieved 6 September 2022.
- ^ Bamforth, Harry (20 September 2022). "Dennis Politic | "It's a good achievement, I'm happy, my first hattrick"". Port Vale F.C. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
- ^ "Dennis Politic | "We are very disappointed because we had enough chances to put the game to bed"". Port Vale F.C. 5 November 2022. Retrieved 7 November 2022.
- ^ Baggaley, Michael (10 April 2023). "Port Vale player ratings vs Oxford draw with red card and late drama". StokeonTrentLive. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
- ^ "Dinamo mai face două transferuri: Dennis Politic și Cristi Costin". GSP (in Romanian). Retrieved 3 July 2023.
- ^ "Dinamo a ajuns la 5 transferuri vara aceasta! "Câinii" au bătut palma cu încă doi jucători". www.digisport.ro (in Romanian). Retrieved 3 July 2023.
- ^ "FCSB vs. Dinamo București - 22 July 2023 - Soccerway". soccerway.com. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
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- ^ "Vedetele etapei a 4-a". lpf.ro (in Romanian). Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ^ "Vedetele etapei a 5-a". lpf.ro (in Romanian). Retrieved 21 August 2023.
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- ^ "Vedetele etapei a 20-a". lpf.ro (in Romanian). Retrieved 15 February 2024.
- ^ "Politic, golazo de Premier League în Botoșani – Dinamo". ProSport (in Romanian). Retrieved 15 February 2024.
- ^ "Echipa etapei a 20-a". lpf.ro (in Romanian). Retrieved 15 February 2024.
- ^ "U Craiova 1948 vs. Dinamo București - 2 February 2024 - Soccerway". soccerway.com. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
- ^ "Farul Constanța 0–2 Dinamo București". Soccerway. Retrieved 2024-02-13.
- ^ "Echipa etapei a 25-a". lpf.ro (in Romanian). Retrieved 15 February 2024.
- ^ "Dinamo București vs. Oțelul - 18 February 2024". Soccerway. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
- ^ "Romania-Austria | Under-17". UEFA.com. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
- ^ "England-Romania | Under-17". UEFA.com. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
- ^ "Azerbaijan-Romania | Under-17". UEFA.com. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
- ^ Iles, Marc (2 July 2021). "Will fit-again Dennis Politic find his calling at Bolton Wanderers this season?". The Bolton News. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
- ^ Iles, Marc (16 August 2019). "Wanderers "mavericks" leading the way, says Parkinson". The Bolton News. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
- ^ "Games played by Dennis Politic in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 January 2022.
- ^ "Games played by Dennis Politic in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
- ^ "Games played by Dennis Politic in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
- ^ a b "Games played by Dennis Politic in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
- ^ "Games played by Dennis Politic in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 31 May 2021.