Danny Murphy was left blown away by Chelsea target Josko Gvardiol during Croatia’s victory over Morocco on Saturday afternoon at the World Cup.
Croatia edged out Morocco this weekend by beating them 2-1 in a World Cup third place play-off, capping off what’s been a great tournament from them.
RB Leipzig star Gvardiol, 20, has been one of the standout defenders at the World Cup in Qatar.
The Croatian centre-back has been such a defensive rock during the competition, albeit he was embarrassed by a piece of Lionel Messi magic in the semi-final loss against Argentina.
He did finish his World Cup in style against Morocco, though, powering in a bullet header to open the scoring after a brilliant free-kick routine.
Chelsea target Josko Gvardiol
BBC pundit Danny Murphy waxed lyrical about Gvardiol on Saturday while watching him.
When discussing the centre-back during the Croatia vs Morocco match, Murphy told BBC One (3:35pm, 17 December): “He’s a standout, he really is. He’s quick, reads the game, can pass, confident, good in the air. All the qualities you need. He plays with maturity as well for such a young man.”
For certain, Gvardiol looks like a Rolls-Royce centre-half with the world at his feet.
It’s remarkable to believe he’s only a 20-year-old youngster.
Blues want him next month
Graham Potter’s side have been strongly linked with a move for Gvardiol in the summer, which is no surprise given how well the Leipzig man has done on the biggest international stage.
Gianluca Di Marzio recently reported that Chelsea will try win the race for Gvardiol’s signature by making an attempt to sign him in January.
It’s going to be quite a significant piece of business for whoever ends up getting him.
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