Published on 23 Dec 2022 10:26 am (UK Time)
Real Madrid is keeping a close eye on Josko Gvardiol as they are looking to plot a move for the star in the upcoming transfer window.
Josko Gvardiol who is touted to be one of the rising stars of the FIFA World Cup tournament in Qatar put up stellar performances for Croatia as he played a crucial role in helping Vatreni secure a third-place finish. The 20-year-old center-back scored the opening goal against Morocco in the World Cup third-place playoff as he got on the end of a lovely headed cross by Perisic in the 9th minute.
Gvardiol’s goal in the 9th minute was a crucial one as Croatia was able to beat Morocco 2-1 to secure yet another podium finish.
Croatia had a solid backline among all the other teams as they had a formidable center-back partnership between Dejan Lovren and Josko Gvardiol. Their presence helped Croatia concede just a goal in the group-stage matches. however, throughout the tournament, they conceded 7 goals, which included a hammering by Argentina in the semi-final, which led to the South American team storming into the final.
The 20-year-olds performances throughout the tournament has seen him earn the praise of many professionals which includes the Croatian manager Zlatko Dalic.
“Josko Gvardiol is the best center-back in the world. To play this maturely, it’s amazing. The way he plays, with the elegance he carries the ball.” Zlatko Dalic
“I first saw him playing for the second team when he was just 17,” Nenad Bjelica, the manager who gave Gvardiol his senior debut for Dinamo Zagreb
“He was playing with guys who were 19, 20, 21, and my first impression was just of pure surprise at his body language and how he didn’t have any fear to play the ball confidently.
“He already looked like an experienced player. That is what is bewildering about him. In that sense, he is the same now as he was at 17.” Nenad Bjelica
“I knew straight away when I saw him that he was a special player. We had some really big talents, and players ahead of their age groups, but we never had something like him.” Igor Biscan, Croatia’s under-21s coach
In the domestic scenario, Gvardiol is having an eventful season with RB Leipzig as he has made over 19 appearances for the German club where he has found the back of the net once. The Croatian’s performance in the World Cup has put him in the spotlight as clubs are looking to secure his signature given the quality he can bring to a defensive backline.
Josko Gvardiol comes across as a strong and well-positioned center-back who has the ability to thwart any attacking threat posed by the opposition. The center-back’s ability to read the game well coupled with great control over the ball makes him an important defensive asset.
Real Madrid is proactively looking to sign a center back in the upcoming transfer window. With Nacho Fernandez likely to leave and with Ferland Mendy not seen to have a long-term future at the club the Spanish giants are looking to rope in the Croatian international (via Football Espana).
Signing Gvardiol will strengthen their backline as they would have adequate defensive reinforcements that would consist of Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, Josko Gvardiol, and Eder Militao therefore it will be interesting to see which club snaps up the player as Real Madrid will face competition with Chelsea who is also interested in signing the player.
