Pep Guardiola Eyes Key Turnaround as Josko Gvardiol Shines for Croatia
The international break is nearing its conclusion, and Pep Guardiola is gearing up to welcome his squad back ahead of a monumental clash against Tottenham Hotspur. With Manchester City currently on a four-game losing streak, the focus is on reversing their fortunes.
Guardiola has been grappling with a series of injuries in recent weeks, which have sidelined several players from both club and international duties. However, one name that continues to make headlines is Josko Gvardiol.
Gvardiol’s Stellar Season for Club and Country
At just 22, Josko Gvardiol has emerged as one of City’s standout performers this season. Having already played more minutes than most teammates—trailing only Rico Lewis and Erling Haaland—the Croatian defender has shown impressive durability and form.
Last night, Gvardiol once again proved his mettle, featuring in Croatia’s final UEFA Nations League fixture against Portugal. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, but Gvardiol stole the spotlight by scoring Croatia’s goal. His strike marked his fourth of the season across club and international competitions.
Key Stats from Gvardiol’s Performance
- Goal: A precise finish at the back post, connecting with a brilliant inswinging cross from former City full-back Joao Cancelo.
- Passing Mastery: Gvardiol completed 53 out of 55 passes (96%), including one key pass, and recorded the most touches (64) of any Croatia player.
- Defensive Contributions: He tallied one clearance, one block, and won two of his five duels.
This outing was a strong response after a subpar display against Scotland earlier in the break, reaffirming Gvardiol’s growing reputation as one of the Premier League’s finest defenders.
Impressive Goalscoring Form
A notable aspect of Gvardiol’s game is his knack for scoring goals. So far in the 2024/25 season, he has netted three goals for Manchester City across all competitions. His tally for the season now stands at four, showcasing his evolving threat in front of goal—a rare quality for a defender.
With last night’s strike, Gvardiol has now scored 20 goals across his professional career for club and country. At just 22, this is an exceptional achievement, particularly given he has often been deployed as a left-back.
Guardiola’s Delight at Gvardiol’s Progress
City’s £77 million investment in Gvardiol is paying dividends. Guardiola will undoubtedly be thrilled with the defender’s development, especially in a season where City have struggled for consistency. Gvardiol has reached a point where poor performances are a rarity, and his steady displays have been a bright spot in an otherwise challenging campaign.
Career Snapshot
| Team | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Dinamo Zagreb | 52 | 4 |
| RB Leipzig | 87 | 5 |
| Manchester City | 60 | 8 |
| Croatia (National) | 39 | 3 |
As City prepare to face Tottenham, Gvardiol’s consistency, versatility, and growing goal threat could be pivotal in helping Guardiola’s side get back to winning ways. Manchester City officials and fans alike will be hoping their rising star continues to shine.
