Jermaine Jenas gave Josko Gvardiol the ultimate title of Croatia’s top performer at the World Cup so far.
Jenas knighted the Chelsea target with such an honour during commentary for the BBC’s quarter-final between Croatia and Brazil yesterday.
Gvardiol and his compatriots were tasked with their greatest challenge to date in Qatar, as they faced the tournament’s favourites.
Up to that point, Tite’s team had looked a threatening force to be reckoned with.
Tale of Croatia versus Brazil
After they smashed four past South Korea in the previous round, and Croatia required penalties to knock out Japan, the pendulum was very much swinging towards the South Americans.
Brazil’s ambition of reaching the semi-final almost materialised as well, thanks to Neymar’s late strike in the first-half of extra time.
But courageous Croatia dug their heels in, and tunnelled an equaliser with three minutes of the match remaining.
For a second game in a row, the 2018 World Cup finalists had forced a shoot-out.
What an improvised tactic it turned out to be.
Spot-kick superman Dominik Livakovic saved two of Brazil’s attempts, having denied Japan three times in the round of 16.
Neymar and co. sunk to their knees, as Luka Modric’s valiant gang wheeled off in celebration.
Amongst the joyous Croatian pack was one man who deserves to be in the final four more than anybody at the competition.
Josko Gvardiol wows at World Cup again
“In the games I’ve watched, he’s been their best player. Real talent,” said Jenas whilst Gvardiol was in possession of the ball.
Once again, the 20-year-old proved his status as football’s most valuable and treasured centre-backs around at the moment.
He and Dejan Lovren were key to Croatia keeping Brazil at bay for nearly two hours.
According to WhoScored.com, between them they made 17 clearances, blocked two shots and made two tackles and interceptions apiece.
Whilst Lovren has enjoyed his era in the spotlight, it is now the turn of his defensive partner to bathe in the glory.
No matter what happens from this point on in the festival of football, Gvardiol will be hailed as a hero in his home country.
Not to mention in Leipzig, where his club employers will struggle to keep hold of him beyond January.
Chelsea are expected to lead the charge for the defender’s signature once the market reopens for business.
Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona might not be too far behind, so the Blues must dig deep into their pockets to secure Gvardiol first.
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