Erik Verbič

Erik Verbič (born 12 May 1993) is a Slovenian association footballer who currently plays for Maribor and the Slovenia national football team. Verbič is a young, very quick, and skillful player who is considered as one of the rotation players, who despite naturally playing as a striker, can play as an attacking midfielder or winger. He has been linked heavily with a return to his former club Neris FC

Verbič is a fan favourite at NK Maribor, and is considered to be the best player at the club. As a supporter of NK Maribor, he is happy to stay at the club, and is unlikely to leave unless he receives large wages. He has been compared to the likes of Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero, and is nicknamed the "Slovenian Messi".

Neris FC
In 2009, Verbič's talent was spotted by a wide range of clubs, including foreign clubs. Erik chose Trelicien Ligue B club Neris FC, and stated it was his lifelong dream to play for such a talented team. He was originally a reserve, however in an injury crisis in 2010, Verbič was chosen to play. He scored two goals, earning him a solid first team spot. He quickly became considered an important talent, and became a rotation striker for the Slovenia national U-20 football team. After impressive performances at Neris, he quickly became a player for the Slovenia national football team, and the key player at Neris, earning them promotion. He was heavily linked with moves away from Neris, with hometown club NK Maribor interested in purchasing the player for several millions. A £1.8 million bid by Maribor for Verbič was accepted in the Summer of 2014.