Josko Gvardiol has been one of the standout players at the World Cup and was rewarded for his fine efforts as Croatia edged past Brazil on penalties to reach a second semi-final in a row. The 20-year-old played a major role in his side's dramatic late equaliser in extra time, recovering to pull off a brilliant last ditch tackle.
Croatia then caught out Brazil, moving to the other end of the pitch and scoring through Bruno Petkovic. Playing alongside the experience of Dejan Lovren, and with Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic offering further stability in midfield, Gvardiol has demonstrated his ball-playing and aggressive defending skills.
Chelsea are one of several teams linked with the RB Leipzig man but fell short of securing a deal for him over the summer, seeing him instead sign a new long-term deal. With World Cup displays at the highest level, the Blues facec competition now from Real Madrid and Tottenham too.
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Pundits have made it clear why he's so well thought of, with former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand offering glowing praise. Speaking earlier in the weak, Ferdinand said, "I have to say, he has been my favourite defender to watch in the tournament so far.
"He has got a great presence, he is happy for the battles, very physical and has a wand for a left foot. He has got pace too and I think all those attributes you need as a modern day defender. He can pay the ball over various distances, he has pinpoint accuracy. He beats any type of press, is comfortable on either foot and is as comfortable with the ball at his feet as he is running out with it defensively.
"Also, the aggressiveness. He is willing to get forward, that youth, that fearlessness. He has quick enough feet for someone of his size. Everything about him for me has been so positive."
Since then, Gvardiol has kept a clean sheet against Japan - going through on penalties - and stood out once more against favourites Brazil. Meanwhile, former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin added his own opinion, delivering a blow to Spurs' Richarlison.
"Josko Gvardiol is a joy," he said. "It’s like watching a Rolls-Royce. That guy is brilliant.” He added: “Richarlison is one of these guys that chases pigeons. He chases everything, but he’s not chasing Josko Gvardiol. You don’t get easy possession off these types of players.”
Across London, Paul Merson told SportsKeeda more about Gvardiol, lavishing even more positivity onto him. “Croatia have impressive players as well in Modric and Kovacic, but they were made to work hard against Japan. Josko Gvardiol could become a very special centre-back. People do have breakthroughs in the World Cup, and he could be one of them.
“I do like him."
As for Jermaine Jenas, he went even further. “In the games I’ve watched, he’s been their best player. Real talent,” he said on commentary. Having been somewhat of an unknown for people that don't watch Bundesliga, Gvardiol's stock has risen as much as anyone over the past two weeks.
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