Manchester City has kicked off their 2024/25 Premier League season with impressive momentum. After seven matches, they sit second on the table with five victories and two draws, amassing a solid 17 points.
Under the management of Pep Guardiola, City leads the league in scoring, having netted 17 goals. However, they share a concerning defensive statistic, having conceded eight goals—matching the combined total of both Liverpool and Arsenal.
A key player who has been making waves in City’s squad is Josko Gvardiol. The Croatian defender has been a mainstay, participating in all seven league matches and starting six. Following City’s recent 1-1 draw with Newcastle, former footballer Ally McCoist hailed Gvardiol as the standout performer.
With the international break now concluded, a fascinating statistic has come to light that will surely impress Guardiola. A recent report from BBC Sport reveals that Gvardiol has covered an impressive 67.7 km per 90 minutes this season, making him the hardest-working player in the squad. Notably, 16 players from other clubs have covered more ground, but none within City have surpassed Gvardiol’s effort.
His teammate, Mateo Kovacic, has already recognized Gvardiol’s potential. He expressed his confidence in the young defender’s future at the club, stating, “For sure Josko is a great player, great character, a guy that wants to improve, and I think there is no better club than being at City. So for sure, Josko will be great—he already is for this club and for our national team.”
Moreover, Gvardiol has made a notable impact defensively, leading City with a total of 24 combined tackles and interceptions. He also stands out with the highest number of progressive carries (17) among defenders at the club over their first seven league outings.
Given his remarkable contributions, it’s little wonder that City fans are thrilled to see Gvardiol covering more distance per 90 minutes than any other player in the Premier League this season.
