In a recent report, The Daily Mail mentioned that Manchester City are leading the race for Red Bull Leipzig star Josko Gvardiol. It has been claimed that the Mancunian giants are set to beat Chelsea and Liverpool in the chase to land the Croatia international.
Gvardiol’s Good Run Of Form In German Football This Season
Gvardiol is experiencing a decent campaign at the Red Bull Arena as he has put in a series of impressive displays at the heart of Leipzig’s backline. The 21-year-old has participated in 29 matches for the German club this season, netting two goals in the process across all fronts.
The Zagreb-born talent has been a solid presence on the defensive end of the pitch based on his average of 0.6 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 2.5 clearances per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga. He has even been excellent when distributing the ball from the back after completing 89% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Red Bull Arena is set to run out in the summer of 2027. Thus, Man City will have to make a big fee if they are serious about recruiting the Croat sensation at the end of this campaign.
Is Gvardiol A Good Choice For Manchester City Boss Pep Guardiola?
Gvardiol is a great tackler of the ball and can sense the danger quickly to secure the ball back for his side on the defensive end of the pitch. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the front foot and excels at playing his way out from the back. Standing at 1.85m, Gvardiol can also win his fair share of aerial duels.
The Zagreb-born talent is primarily a central defender but can also fill in as a left-back if his manager asks him to do so. We can expect Gvardiol to add more quality and depth to Pep Guardiola‘s squad at the Etihad Stadium.
At 21, Gvardiol has the potential to become one of the best players in his position someday. Therefore, Man City would be wise to try everything they can to win the race to sign the Croatia talent in the summer. He is already good enough to challenge John Stones, Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji for a regular starting spot at the Mancunian club. However, only time will tell whether he can adapt to the physical nature and high intensity of Premier League football.
