Transfer Talk: Josko's arrival will boost Pep's rear-Gvard

Manchester City are pushing hard to sign Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig.

The 21-year-old played 41 times in all competitions for the German side last season and also helped Croatia finish third at the 2022 World Cup.

He has already earned 21 caps for his country — valuable experience for such a young player. 

As City look to complete preparations for their Premier League title defence with a pre-season win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday, we analyse what the defender would bring to the Treble winners.

Impressive campaign

It is easy to see why Guardiola is so interested in landing Gvardiol given the defender's excellent 2022-23 season.

In the Bundesliga last term, the Red Bulls centre-back made 34 interceptions and won the ball back in the defensive third 91 times. 

On top of that, he proved to be an accomplished figure in possession, completing the sixth-most passes in the division (1,909). 

That combination of defensive grit and technical quality have clearly convinced City and they are willing to splash out on his signature.

High praise

The young defender earned high praise for his performances at the World Cup, particularly from his international manager Zlatko Dalic.

Dalic said: "Gvardiol is the best centre-back in the world. To play this maturely, it's amazing. 

"The way he plays, with what elegance he carries the ball." 

Wowing at the World Cup

Gvardiol attracted plenty of attention for his impressive showings in Qatar.

The Zagreb native led the tournament for clearances (37) and made the second-most interceptions (11) as Croatia reached the semi-finals. 

Impressively, the defender also completed the fourth-most passes (463), further evidence of his ability both on and off the ball.

His strong performances on the global stage raised his already lofty profile even further and have certainly added to his value.

Job interview

Last February, Gvardiol featured — and scored — in the first leg of Leipzig's last-16 clash with City, earning the German outfit a 1-1 draw and praise from former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand. 

Ferdinand said: "One of [Gvardiol's] best attributes is actually his calmness and confidence on the ball. 

"I would go as far as to say that, in terms of driving out with the ball and coming out with the ball, he's up there with the top two or three in the world at the moment because he's so composed and so calm at doing that." 

It should be noted, however, that the second leg did not go as well, exposing the defender's rawness as City romped to a 7-0 win.

A perfect fit

Gvardiol's profile makes him a perfect fit for Guardiola's system. 

John Stones' redeployment in midfield alongside Rodri sees City defend with that pair ahead of a back three, with the left-sided member of the trio — often Nathan Ake or Manuel Akanji — required to play a hybrid role between full-back and centre-back. 

However, Gvardiol frequently played at left-back for Dinamo Zagreb and has been used there occasionally by Leipzig as well.

It seems Guardiola has found the perfect piece of the puzzle to improve his Treble-winning side — and City appear committed to his capture.