At the 2022 Qatar World Cup Josko Gvardiol was able to further show to Todd Boehly and Chelsea that parting with significant funds to sign him is in absolute must. Gvardiol helped Croatia achieve a third-placed finish after they beat the other stricken semi-finalists Morocco in the third place play-off, with Gvardiol scoring in his nation's 2-1 victory.
The RB Leipzig star was amongst some of the best performers in Qatar and after being heavily linked with a move to Chelsea in the summer he could be tempted to join up with two other members of Leipzig's set up who could play crucial roles for the Blues in 2023. With Christopher Nkunku agreeing to become a Chelsea player for the 2023/24 season, while former Leipzig Technical Director Christopher Vivell was confirmed in his new role with the Blues on Wednesday.
Real Madrid and Manchester City are also on red alert for Gvardiol with the Premier League champions, according to Foot Mercato, reporting that Manchester City have tabled a €110million (£95million) offer.
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While his most impressive attributes are his aggressive defensive style and domination in aerial battles, the 20-year-old was able to show in Qatar that he can also be of use in attacking situations, a fact that was particularly on show against Belgium.
Former Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas, who was on BBC commentary for Croatia's group match with Belgium, praised both Gvardiol's defensive work and ability to help his side out of defence. "He’s got it all," Jenas said. "You can see when he comes out with the ball he's got the ability to go by people. Drive into midfield with the ball, hit good passes."
That claim from Jenas has now been backed up by a stat that lists Gvardiol alongside Luka Modric, Luke Shaw and World Cup winner Lionel Messi as players with the most progressive passes at the tournament.
Despite Chelsea's significant defensive overhaul in the summer, the future of Chelsea's back line would be in good hands if Boehly and Graham Potter were able to negotiate a fee with Leipzig to bring Gvardiol to Stamford Bridge in the coming transfer windows.
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