 He became a first team regular in Varteks and in the next 5 seasons he scored 32 goals in the domestic league only.His good games as well as passion for football and leadership ability could not go unnoticed so he was appointed as team`s captain.Nikola Šafarić is also a great penalty and free kick taker and although he could play every possible position in the midfield he says he "plays best as a defensive midfielder."