Josko Gvardiol delivered another standout performance for Manchester City in their dramatic 2-1 victory over Wolves on Sunday.
The match, held at Molineux, was a nail-biter, with John Stones scoring the decisive goal in the dying moments. There was some controversy surrounding the play, with Bernardo Silva’s positioning in front of Wolves’ goalkeeper Jose Sa being questioned. Despite the protests, the goal stood, and City claimed the win, propelling them to the top of the Premier League.
Wolves put up a strong defensive fight, and it seemed like they might escape with a point, but City’s resilience—something they’ve displayed time and again as four-time reigning Premier League champions—proved too much in the end. The late surge of pressure, spearheaded by Pep Guardiola’s side, was unrelenting.
Amid the chaos, one player in particular shone: Josko Gvardiol. The Croatian defender not only put in another commanding performance but also hit an impressive personal milestone.
Josko Gvardiol Matches Salah’s Away Goal Tally in 2024
Manchester City fans are witnessing the true value of Gvardiol this season. His arrival from RB Leipzig last year came with a hefty price tag, but after a period of adjustment, he’s showing why the club was willing to invest £77 million in his talents.
Gvardiol’s offensive contribution has been just as noteworthy as his defensive prowess. His equalising goal against Wolves, a stunning strike with his weaker foot that soared into the top corner, marked his fifth away goal in 2024. According to Stat Muse, this places him on par with Liverpool’s Mo Salah for away goals in this calendar year—a remarkable achievement for a player in Gvardiol’s position.
A Defensive Rock and an Offensive Weapon
Gvardiol has grown into one of City’s most reliable and versatile players. At left-back, he doesn’t just defend; he attacks with intent, often driving forward and causing problems for the opposition. Against Wolves, his high positioning and offensive energy were key to City’s comeback.
His stats tell the story of a player who delivers on multiple fronts. In 53 appearances across all competitions for City, Gvardiol has scored six goals and provided three assists. These numbers underscore his knack for contributing in the final third, something not many defenders are known for.
But Gvardiol’s value isn’t just about goals. His technical ability—whether it’s his ball control, his distribution, or his ability to carry the ball forward—is exceptional. And, of course, when it comes to his primary job—defending—he’s as solid as they come.
For City fans, Gvardiol’s performances this season are proof that he’s living up to the high expectations that followed his big-money move. And considering that he’s still several years away from hitting his peak, there’s a real sense that he could become even better.
With the way he’s playing, it’s clear that Gvardiol is rapidly establishing himself as one of City’s most important players—not just in defense, but across the pitch.
