‘Magnificent’: Pat Nevin believes 20–year-old who Chelsea are trying to sign could become one of the very best

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Pat Nevin has predicted huge things to come in the future for Chelsea target Josko Gvardiol.

Writing for the club website, Nevin looked into his crystal ball and beamed at what potentially could be in store for the RB Leipzig centre-back.

After watching Gvardiol wow at the World Cup, it’s a pretty safe bet to assume gold is on the horizon for him.

The 20-year-old performed beyond his young form in Qatar, taking on and bettering many experienced opponents.

One of the very few that managed to cause the Croatian international serious problems was a man made famous for destroying footballers.

Messi makes a fool of Gvardiol

It was the Lionel Messi magic act when Argentina faced Gvardiol and his country in the semi-final on Tuesday.

Paris Saint-German’s minute wizard waved his wand at all the appropriate moments in the match, with a goal and an assist for good measure.

Messi’s penalty conversion was outrageous by even his own standards, yet the set-up for Argentina’s third was straight out of his text book.

Having collected the ball just over the half-way marker, the number ten preceded to dribble and dance his way past Gvardiol, sending his marker in the wrong direction on numerous occasions.

“The years seem to just slip off him (Messi) as he toyed with magnificent defenders such as Gvardiol, who could in time himself become one of the world’s great defenders,” said Nevin.

There is absolutely no shame in being bamboozled by Argentina’s footballing angel, and Gvardiol may have learned more from that passage of play than in the entire World Cup.

He might not face Messi ever again, but that battle has certainly prepared the Leipzig rock for intense duels down the line.

Chelsea get ready to bid for Josko Gvardiol

Premier League attackers might be gearing up to test their metal against the Croat, with Chelsea and Manchester City reportedly jostling for his signature.

Graham Potter could certainly benefit from acquiring a player of Gvardiol’s ilk.

A left-footed central defender is a rarity in itself, especially one who can pass and dribble out from defence.

His potential move to Stamford Bridge would add balance, and youth, to a back-line that consists of ageing stars Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly, plus struggling left-footer Marc Cucurella.

It’s time for Todd Boehly to truly make his mark in South West London with this marquee signing.