Rio Ferdinand has named Chelsea transfer target Josko Gvardiol as his "favourite defender" of the World Cup so far.
The 20-year-old centre-back has helped Croatia reach the quarter-finals thanks to a series of assured performances, demonstrating a level maturity beyond his years. Fans of the Bundesliga will be familiar with those kind of displays, as Gvardiol has spent the past 18 months starring for RB Leipzig following his £17million move from native Dinamo Zagreb in June 2021.
With Croatia boasting two clean sheets from four games and having only conceded two goals in Qatar, the left-footed powerhouse has showed Chelsea supporters exactly why the Blues were reportedly happy to shell out an eye-watering £77.7m for his services during the final days of the most recent summer transfer window.
Despite Todd Boehly 's willingness to pay up, the move didn't materialise and Gvardiol opted to sign a new five-year deal with Leipzig. Nevertheless, Chelsea are believed have maintained their interest and Manchester United legend Ferdinand has given his seal of approval by waxing lyrical about the highly-rated youngster ahead of Croatia's round-of-16 victory over Japan.
"I have to say, he has been my favourite defender to watch in the tournament so far," the ex-United centre-back declared on BBC Sport. "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 play 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."
The man himself was recently asked about a potential move to Stamford Bridge and he suggested that a big-money transfer is still on the cards, despite agreeing a lucrative long-term contract in East Germany just three months ago.
"About me and Chelsea? I don't know. You know what happened in the last few months. To be honest, I have no idea," Gvardiol told The Athletic following the group stage. "My agent is taking care of this and we will see. Right now, I'm happy in Leipzig. I don't know, we will see – you never know. You know the stories and these things, but all I can say is that I'm happy in Leipzig and right now I'm going to stay there and perform for them."
He also revealed that he regularly speaks to Croatia teammate and Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic, adding: "It's a big club of course and, who knows, maybe one day I will be there. It's really nice to see things like this, especially because there is Kovacic, so you never know. I talk with him.
"Even to be here on this, the biggest event, it's a big thing for me at 20 years old so I'm happy. I have to think about it."
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But Kovacic isn't the only compatriot who could play a role in deciding his future. Croatia captain Luka Modric remains a star for Real Madrid, who Gvardiol hopes to play for during what's set to be a successful career.
"Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world, so who knows... maybe one day I can play there. I would like to, yes," he stated, as quoted by Relevo.
"Luka doesn't have to tell me anything about Real Madrid, it's not necessary. I already know everything, I know it's the biggest club in the world and how important it is to be linked to a team like that," explained Gvardiol.
