Josko Gvardiol: Chronicles and facts

Posted : 08 August 2023

Josko Gvardiol has had an eventful eight months, beginning with his impressive World Cup performance for Croatia, leading to widespread recognition and earning him the nickname "Joško-mania" in his homeland. His journey culminated with a historic €90 million transfer to Manchester City, making him the world's most expensive defender at just 21 years old. As he prepares to make his mark in the Premier League, here are ten intriguing facts about this emerging football sensation.

Gvardiol's early football days were on the rugged pitches of Zagreb, where he caught the eye of scouts while playing for the Tresnievka youth team. His potential led him to Dinamo Zagreb, and by the age of 16, he was already promoted to the senior squad, skipping the traditional loan route. Former Dinamo coach Zoran Mamic praised Gvardiol's readiness, noting that even Luka Modric had to go out on loan before reaching that level.

Notably, Gvardiol has acquired two monikers in recent years. He earned the label "Croatian Wall" for his instrumental role in Croatia's third-place finish at the World Cup in Qatar. Additionally, he's been dubbed "Little Pep" due to the similarity in his last name to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. Linguist Domagoj Vidovic highlighted the connection between Gvardiol's surname and Guardiola's, suggesting a fitting association for his defensive prowess.

Gvardiol's football journey was set in motion at just six years old when he joined a local football club. His early enthusiasm for scoring goals eventually transitioned into a successful career as a defender. He swiftly advanced through the ranks, catching the attention of Dinamo Zagreb and embarking on a path that would shape his destiny.

At 17, Gvardiol was already recognized as a rising star, earning a spot on The Guardian's list of "next talents in world football." This prestigious roster included names like Camavinga, Pedri, and Ansu Fati, solidifying Gvardiol's status among football's emerging elite. Two years later, he secured a commendable 20th place on GOAL's list of "The Next Generation - The 50 Most Promising Footballers."

While Gvardiol's father, Tihomír, initially introduced him to the sea with hopes of embracing a fishing career, Gvardiol chose to follow his football dreams. He turned down an opportunity to join Inter's academy at 15, opting to remain in Croatia and continue his development gradually.

Gvardiol draws comparisons to Brazilian great Thiago Silva, as noted by his former coach Tomislav Rukavina. Gvardiol's self-confidence, leadership qualities, and agility evoke Silva's playing style. He demonstrates strength, speed, and a keen sense of play, making him a standout defender on the pitch.

Among Gvardiol's close companions is City's Mateo Kovacevich, who openly advocated for his signing by Chelsea in 2022. Their friendship led to a dream realized as they now play together at Manchester City.

As a child, Gvardiol admired Lionel Messi, but he later looked up to Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk as his role model. He praised van Dijk's defensive prowess, and today, Gvardiol is carving his own path as a top-class defender.

Interestingly, Gvardiol was on the verge of joining Leeds in 2020 when Marco Bielsa sought his defensive skills. Ultimately, he chose a move to Leipzig, revealing that he declined a potentially more lucrative offer to follow his football aspirations.

Josko Gvardiol's journey from the concrete pitches of Zagreb to becoming a record-breaking defender embodies his determination, talent, and bright future in the world of football.

Josko Gvardiol: Chronicles and facts

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