The former Derby County midfielder made his Champions League debut after leaving the Rams in 2020.
Derby County’s start to the season has summed up how brilliantly they have done to get over the struggles of the last few years, which saw various financial troubles contribute to the Rams’ relegation from the Championship in the 2021/22 season.
Ever since, they have rebuilt from the insecure situation of a few years back and now have a solid Championship side, put together by Paul Warne spectacularly across the summer following their return to the Championship after their 2023/24 promotion.
As a result of the financial insecurities at the club, several players were moved on from the club, including one who has now made his Champions League debut after a terrific turning around of his career.
Former Derby County midfielder Timi Max Elsnik makes Champions League debut
Ex-Derby County man Timi Max Elsnik has turned around his career in an incredibly unlikely fashion after struggling to get a spot in the Derby County side prior to his departure in 2019.
He tallied just two first team appearances for Derby County in the 2016/17 EFL Cup before being shipped away on loan to fellow EFL clubs Swindon Town, Mansfield Town and Northampton Town.
He took the decision to make the move to top Slovenia side Olimpija Ljubljana, where his career was reignited.
Fast forward six seasons after his departure from Derby County, and the Slovenian international made his Champions League debut for Red Star Belgrade, with him playing 90 minutes in a 2-1 loss against Benfica.
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Derby County should not be kicking themselves over Elsnik departure
There wouldn’t have been anyone who could have envisaged Elsnik’s career taking such a turn, to the point where it was clear that, even if he had the qualities to play at a higher level, he most certainly wasn’t showing that during his tenure at Derby County.
The Rams were very unlikely to take a chance on the Slovenian international as a result of his lacklustre loan moves, where he didn’t quite show bags of talent, and whilst Derby County most certainly shouldn’t be kicking themselves over his departure, it is one incredible turnaround by the former Derby man.
With 21 caps to his name at international level, and now making his name known in the Champions League, there are no doubts that the former Derby County man can further kick on with his career, and it is a staggering fate considering where he has come from.